FREE: CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (Used DVD, 2014) – Hanks, Abdi – true story - Somali pirates; Maersk AL - PG-13

The listing, CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (Used DVD, 2014) – Hanks, Abdi – true story - Somali pirates; Maersk AL - PG-13 has ended.

Synopsis:

This movie is based on the true story of Richard Phillips. He was a U.S. cargo ship captain who was captured by Somali pirates, as his crew remained free. Captain Phillips (Hanks) and his crew were shipping freight around the Horn of Africa when four Somali pirates forcefully took over the ship.

Director Paul Greengrass purposely did not allow the pirates to meet Hanks until they stormed the ship in character while filming. Greengrass used the same technique for his ‘United 93’ production, so that no bonding could take place between actors prior to shooting.

Abdi, the ‘captain’ pirate, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. All of the pirates deserved the same honor.

Abdi ad-libbed the lines, “Look at me. I’m the captain now.” He was a limo driver in Minneapolis, who had never acted. He and his friends auditioned after a casting call was broadcast on MN television. They won the parts and Abdi announced to his friends that they were going to be in a movie with ‘the Forrest Gump guy.’ Hanks was highly amused.


My Review:

As a picky person who rarely watches contemporary movies because of the gratuitous violence and dumbed-down productions, this movie receives 10 stars out of 5. Greengrass does not try to shock the viewer with grotesque scenes. The viewer gets the point without having to cringe or hurl. The film’s short, violent scenes are not meant for box-office draw. They are necessary for story telling. This is fine family entertainment, which also has historical value.

Why Tom Hanks did not receive an Oscar nod for his Phillips’ portrayal is a mystery to me. His last scene should have clinched it for him.


Condition:

There are some light scratches on the disc that do not affect play. Format is not indicated. Case and art are in very good condition and are included.

This movie is worth every credit bid. It’s a keeper for any exclusive collection.