Hostage situations always make for the most intense scene, and the majority of this movie is basically one big hostage situation. There's literally not one moment where you don't have that feeling of dread and wonder what's going to happen next, even though the ending is predictable. It's one big thrill ride crafted well with fantastic acting, a great score, and some gritty camera angles that whisk you inside the cramped boats like you've been taken hostage right with Captain Phillips.
To start off, I have to mention that Tom Hanks gave a very commendable performance as the lead. It's some of the most powerful acting he's done in a while, in my opinion. There were some points where I wish he had reacted differently or treated the situation with more thought, but I also think it works because in situations like these it's difficult to react in a normal way. The acting of the terrorists was incredible, and it's for one simple reason. The terrorists themselves were very unsure of what they were doing, presenting a lot of unpredictability on screen. The audience never knew what to expect or what one of them would do next, and it translated well from the script to the big screen.
I think the thing that really made the scenes so intense were the smart camera angles that made for some incredibly claustrophobic feelings. I felt like I was right there in the boats being thrown around and such. The shots are gritty and unflinching, not once relinquishing the stern grip it takes upon its audience. The cinematography is just downright fantastic and I honestly believe that's what really made for the suspenseful film.
And before I conclude, I must mention the excellent music that accompanies this movie. A lot of movies don't use music to their advantage like they should, because it can really create an unforgettable atmosphere (the first example that comes to my head was Gravity, which I saw last week.) Combine the cinematography, the score, and some quality acting, Captain Phillips exerts a lot of talent.
Captain Phillips isn't a perfect movie by any means. It drags a bit from time to time. Not too often, but the movie stretches over the 2 hour mark, which is a bit too long in my opinion. I also felt like they could've added more emotional impact instead of trying to cram all the emotions into the last 20 minutes or so. Regardless, the film works as a fantastic action and suspense thriller. The movie loses a bit of steam towards the middle when things start to get a bit repetitive, but it finds its way back on tracks and concludes with a relentless last half hour that'll make you feel like you're right there with Captain Phillips, fighting for his life. B+
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