Jan Wahl Movie Review: 'Captain Phillips'

(KCBS) — KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl reviews "Captain Phillips", a complicated story that leaves the audience rooting for captain, crew, Navy and negotiators in a remarkable story based on true events.

KCBS Entertainment Reporter Jan Wahl:

 
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (PG-13)

In 2009, a U.S. container ship was boarded by four Somali pirates, determined to hijack the ship and take hostages. Though Tom Hanks immediately anchors us as an everyman-style Captain, this film is complicated since it puts us on the side of Hanks, his crew, the Navy, the Seals and American negotiators, but also offers some insight into the life and hopes of someone living in Somalia.

We live Hank's character under enormous pressure, this is one of the actor's great performances.

Director Paul Greengrass (United 93, two Bourne movies) keeps it tense and riveting.

Somalian newcomer Barhad Abdi meets Hanks scene for scene, reminding us of desperation, fear and courage.

Four hats.

Movies To See Right Now: Parkland, Don Jon, When Comedy Went to School, Gravity, Blue Jasmine & American Jerusalem

Home Viewing/DVD: Much Ado About Nothing, 2011: A Space Odyssey & Star Trek: Into the Darkness

You can hear KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl's movie reviews on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM Fridays at 8:53am & 4:53pm.

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• Navy SEALs