Tom Hanks is perfectly cast as Captain Richard Phillips, who is 2009 was the skipper of the US flagged MV Maersk Alabama, which was hijacked by Somali Pirates along their country's coastline. As one of the most recognized and loved actors in the world, you will feel nothing but sympathy for Hanks character as to how he and his crew were able to survive the ordeal of having pirates take over your ship.
But the best thing about the movie was that you too will comprehend the plight of the Somalis, who due to the desperate economic situation in their country, are forced to join groups that take hostage ships passing thru its shore and steal valuable cargo from it. From their gaunt built and dark color, the Somali pirates, who are all first time actors, could end up as mere caricature of a villain. Fortunately, the ever reliable director Paul Greengass (United 93 and The Bourne Ultimatum) aided by a tight script by Billy Ray (The Hunger Games and State of Play) makes you ask the question: What has the government of Somalia done for it's people to them to resort to piracy? It will also make you aware that there is more to the typical news reports than what we had heard before about them.
Playing the pirates de facto chief Muse, Barkhad Abdi stands out among the Somali actors in the film. His performance is remarkable given the fact that this is only first film. Abdi as Muse held his own against Hanks and not since Gary Sinise in Forrest Gump has an actor accomplished the feat. A supporting actor Oscar nomination is a possibility.
Captain Phillips is Tom Hanks best film as a lead actor since Cast Away. It is also notches above Paul Greengass last film that he directed,, the way too complex yet muddled Green Zone and a star is born in the person of Barkhad Abdi.
