By 
“CAPTAIN PHILLIPS” ***
Tom Hanks has been considered the greatest American actor since his early roles in popular romantic comedies.
It was in the 90’s when he claimed this definitive status receiving two consecutive Oscars for “Philadelphia” and “Forest Gump” and gained even more the audience’s heart and familiarity. He’s also a powerful businessman and investor who might have figured out he needed a hit, a vibrant character in order to reestablish his popularity within the changes of the new century, and reassure his potential as an actor in Hollywood 3D Generation.
This adaptation on Captain Richard Phillips’ book, relating his true story of agony while kept captive by Somali pirates, is a sure bet. Not only for the respected and beloved actor, but also for director Paul Greengrass’ career, adding one more goal in his increasingly brilliant depictions on political matters through action and real conflicts. After three disappointments, both as uninspired performances and as financial disasters, Hanks gets back in the podium with this superb choice, demonstrating his unique talent, and is on path of getting another Oscar nod. He gives a powerful, respectful, and intense performance, incorporating the film’s living and tumultuous soul.
Although the film is entirely supported by his performance, giving the audience an exhilarating experience of living his desperation, fear and strategies, it’s also fundamental to attribute the success to the great work of Greengrass. With titles such as “United 93” and “Green Zone” listed as two of the best films to perfectly portrait the political tensions around the globe pos-9/11, Greengrass is able to manage one more take on the global terrorism crisis, pointing to many cruel facts and social indifferences. The technical resources are also a high standard, which without its incredible efficient work, the film wouldn’t reach its high quality purposes. The amazing editing and the breathtaking sound design increase the adrenaline throughout the conflict. And with Hanks on scene, trying to save his ship, the crew and his own skin, the thriller reaches a spectacular mark of great entertainment, intelligent and sophisticated technical benefits, along with powerful performances, including both the crew and the perpetrators, and a shocking look at contemporary political issues. It actually won’t appear on my personal list of this year’s best, but it sure is a smart, totally well produced and narrated film, that offers a satisfying and a heart pounding experience inside the dark room.
Comments