CAPTAIN PHILLIPS

Captain Phillips is the true story of the 2009 hijacking of US ship Maersk Alabama by Somali pirates, the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in 200 years.

This incredibly fast-paced action thriller examines the desperate fight for survival and the heroic efforts of Captain Phillips (Tom Hanks) to save his ship and crew.

Hanks leads an unknown but effective supporting cast, delivering a remarkable performance and Barkhad Abdi is unnerving as Muse the head pirate.

Captain Phillips exceeds all expectations with beautiful photography, a riveting screenplay and the use of unsteady camerawork which heightens the realism and sense of urgency.

This is an astounding cinematic achievement devoid of the cheesiness which is typical of movies in this genre. (MM)

**** 1/2