Hey there MMT family! I want to first apologize for not posting last week. My family and I are dealing with a chronically ill relative, and that has been very taxing. I’ve still been posting a bit more frequently on the Facebook page, so please make sure you are following us there for info and random giveaway links as well.
Even though I’ve been MIA, I did get a chance to screen Sony Pictures’ Captain Phillips last week and I must say I really enjoyed it. Directed by Academy Award nominee Paul Greengrass (United 93), the film stars Academy Award winner Tom Hanks (Philadelphia, Forrest Gump) as title character, merchant marine Captain Richard Phillips, who was held hostage for five days by Somali pirates in 2009. The US marked cargo ship carrying the captain and his crew of approximately 20 men, was the first American ship to be hijacked in two hundred years. The screenplay, written by Billy Ray (Hunger Games), is based on the book “A Captain’s Duty : Somali Pirates, Navy SEALS and Dangerous days at Sea” written by Phillips with Stephan Talty.
Even though the film is based on a true story, and I pretty much knew the outcome, I was still on the edge of my seat as a “viewer” of the harrowing experience with which the lead character was faced. It was very hard for me to imagine what someone in Captain Phillips’ position would think or do, and it certainly was impressive to witness how savvy and “quick on his feet” he was dealing with armed pirates. I was also impressed with the direction Greengrass chose in telling this story. Although the primary focus is on the title character and his eventual rescue, the film does briefly highlight issues such as the illegal fishing and toxic waste dumping that have impacted local food sources and led some Somalis to choose piracy.
I felt it was pretty even storytelling; however I must have missed The Avengers sign that perhaps was posted in the lobby since some of my fellow viewers, with their cheers and inappropriate laughter, must have been watching a different film. It was quite disheartening to witness, since one of those Somali pirates was in fact a 16-year-old boy. I understood the necessity in the deaths that were certain to come in the hostage stand-off portrayed; however I would think the humanity in the situation, coupled with the fact that it is based on a true story, would give someone pause before “yelling and applauding” when a person is killed.
Though Hanks dominates the screen, first time Somalian-born actor Barkhad Abdi as lead pirate Muse was very good. With a 134 minute running time, and PG-13 rating, Captain Phillips is a lengthy but well worth it watch. There is already Oscar buzz this season for Hanks in the lead, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he receives a nod. The film opened Friday 10/11 in theaters nationwide.
Okay that’s it for me family. You can check out the Captain Phillips trailer below, and stop back by and share a thought or two if you see the film. And don’t forget to follow our sister Facebook page. 🙂
Until next thought family, Thomasena
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