You're probably familiar with the news story that forms the basis of Hollywood's latest torn-from-the-headlines thriller, "Captain Phillips": A merchant marine ship is boarded by Somali pirates, the captain is taken hostage, and the U.S. Navy attempts a rescue with a crack-shot team of Navy SEALs. Like me, you may wonder if there's a two-hour-plus movie in this material.
Rest assured, there is. Director Paul Greengrass pulls you in with his usual pulse-pounding intensity, and even if you know the ending, the film will keep you riveted as it builds to its tragic conclusion.
Tom Hanks stars as Capt. Richard Phillips, a New England seafarer tasked with piloting a cargo ship through the pirate-infested waters off the coast of Somalia. He's a tough boss who takes the threat seriously, prepping his less-concerned crew on how to react if they do encounter a skiff full of Jolly Rogers. Lacking any arms, they will have to defend themselves through ingenuity.