"Captain Phillips" to Make Waves in Your Home

     Captain Phillips. The movie that has received great views across the country, and that found it's way into everyone's home after it's release in theatres. After having recently watched it, I see why it was such a hit. Captain Phillips is a thrilling movie, through constant tension between the epic battle of filthy Somali pirates and noble American seamen, based on the "true" story (why I say "true" I will get too later) of the real Maersk Alabama.

     Set in the oceans around the horn of Africa, Captain Phillips (played by Tom Hanks), is leading the containership, the Maersk Alabama towards Kenya, when they are suddenly attacked by Somali pirates. Though not uncommon in those waters, the crew is still taken by surprise as it takes place in the midst of a security drill. Captain Phillips keeps a cool head as he and Shane Murphy (played by Michael Chernus), the first officer, order the entire crew down to the engine room to hide from the pirates. When the pirates board, lead by one named Muse (played by Barkhad Abdi), followed by Najee (played by Faysal Ahmed) are extremely violent and loud towards the crew.

     The film is very character driven by Captain Phillips and Muse, who's acting was and is still praised for their incredible performance. I would like to continue to praise Barkhad for his portrayal of Muse, who played very well as a desperate, yet incredibly confident leading pirate. Tom Hanks was good as well, I just couldn't seem to get past his AWFUL accent. It was very cliche. Along with his incredibly corny accent, Phillips' crew is portrayed as a bunch of lazy coffee saturated, slackers.

     This leads me into the controversy on the actual truth of the movie. There has been much of an uproar from the majority of the actual cast from the real life event. They all have said that Phillips is very inaccurately portrayed in the movie. That in real life HE was the slacker, and that it was Murphy who ordered the security drills. Some also went to the extent of saying it was Phillips' fault that they were attacked, due to multiple dismissal of piracy warnings, advising all ships to be at least 600 mi. off the coast. The crew claims that during the attack, they were approx. 250 mi. off the coast.

     This movie was overall an exceptional film. Looking past the alleged discrepancies in the character roles, as well as Tom Hanks accent, it was a very enjoyable film. Every second of the film made me lean close towards the screen. This movie is for all ages, and teaches people to always stay away from pirates. I give this movie a 10/10 rating.