Tuesday, 22 October 2013

Mark Brewer’s Movie Reviews: Captain Phillips is an Oscar Contender

I have been a fan of Tom Hanks ever since I watched You’ve Got Mail as a child. My friend Mr. Oak also shares my liking for this great actor. There are not many actors in the Hollywood who have the capacity for intense acting as does Tom Hanks. I have watched most of his movies. So, this Saturday I, Mrs. Mark Brewer and our friends Mr. Oak and Mr. Phoenix decided to visit the movie theatres and watch Captain Phillips. The movie is based on a real incident as do most of Paul Greengrass’ movies. It is about the Somali pirates and a US ship that was hijacked in 2009. Just like Paul’s last few releases Bloody Sunday and United 93, this movie too tells a known story in a thrilling manner.


I feel that Tom Hanks would be a candidate for this year’s Oscar due to his phenomenal performance in the movie. Five minutes of acting towards the end of the movie are the very best I have seen from Tom Hanks. The storytelling of this movie is pulsating. Though everyone knows the ending, but Paul keeps everyone gripped. The movie starts with Captain Philips (Tom Hanks) speaking to his wife about his concerns over the future of their kids in lieu of the massive unemployment. It is revealed that Captain Philips will be leading a ship past the Cape Horn into the pirate area near Somalia. The scene shifts and we see a group of warlords preparing a team to plunder ships. Some pirates are reluctant but they have to give in. Their poverty does not give them any other alternative.

When the ship cruises near Somali waters, it is suddenly chased by fast moving boats. Though Captain Philips tries many tricks, but his ship is too stocked and slow moving to realize any plans. He tries to negotiate with the pirates. The pirates hold him hostage. Then there is a Navy Seal operation and the American glory story. No the glory story is not stretched too far. Paul has focused more on the poverty of the pirates rather than making them oppressors. He seems to be sending out a message about financial turmoil in the world.


I (Mark Brewer) simply loved the movie and would like to watch it again. 

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