REVIEW: CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
Like one of last year's strongest movies, "Argo," "Captain Phillps" for sure takes some liberties to its story, including the titular character's heroic actions. The real crew of the hijacked Maersk Alabama and comparisons between this film and the real Phillips' autobiographical account of the whole tale have made that clear. While it is important to realize these distinctions, it's my job to review what's been presented before me. And wow, what a picture to be presented before me. Told in a similar strategy used to tell his severely more bleak "United 93," Paul Greengrass shows the relationships between the attacker and the victim. Instead of focusing simply on Hanks' character, an easy tactic since he's the biggest living actor, he also shines light on the disparity of the Somalian community that houses many, including four angry, confused and money-starved soon-to-be pirates. An additional four are brought along as well, b...