Movie Review: Captain Phillips *****

Tom Hanks will assuredly receive an Academy Award nomination for his role of the title character, and deservedly so. And so will the guy who plays the captain of the pirates. Man, that guy was authentically frightening.
I saw Captain Phillips right on the heels of Gravity, and I needed anti-anxiety meds when it was over.
Even though I knew what was going to happen (it's a true story, in case you, somehow, don't know this) my heart was pounding from the moment Captain Phillips spies the pirate boats advancing quickly toward the ship, and that's the very beginning of the film. You think, how can these little boats and these skinny, little guys be a danger to this gigantic (but unarmed) ship and crew? As soon as you see them up close, see their eyes, and witness their determination and fearlessness, you know.
Every performance feels real. The emotion of this terrifying real-life incident is raw and relateable, and you can't help but get caught up in it. Your breathing will quicken, your heart will palpitate, you will feel like you're there.
There's a particular scene late in the film when Hanks' character is at the end of this harrowing experience, when his emotion and relief come to a boiling point, and this is the scene that will win him his nomination. Not that it's the only reason - his entire performance is flawless - but this scene is haunting. You'll see what I mean. If you haven't already, go see this film.
Five out of five stars for Captain Phillips.