Captain Phillips - A-

Rated PG-13, 134 minutes

Riveting, searing "Captain Phillips" an intense true story

Tom Hanks

The captivating new thriller "Captain Phillips" from director Paul Greengrass ("The Bourne Ultimatum") and starring Tom Hanks is hands down one of the best action thrillers of the year, and is made more compelling by the fact that it's a true story. Richard Phillips (Hanks) is the captain of the Maersk Alabama, a cargo ship on a routine run to Kenya when it's hijacked by several Somali pirates, the ringleader named Muse (Barkhad Abdi). When the pirates kidnap Phillips, a tense standoff ensues between the pirates and the U.S. Navy. Masterfully directed by Greengrass and written by Billy Ray ("The Hunger Games" and based on Phillips' book of the account, it's enthralling, superbly acted and filled with an edge-of-your-seat intensity lacking in many films today. Even more fascinating is the fact it's a true story, and helped by the realistic cinematography as well as pulse-pounding music and first-rate editing that keeps the film flowing along. "Captain Phillips" marks a stellar return to form for Hanks, whose career has lagged in the last few years; you feel every inch of his pain in the debriefing after it's all over, one of the film's more memorable scenes. Though it's all Hanks' film, newcomer Abdi, as Phillips' counterpart for the pirates, is also memorable, showing a more humane side to them. On that note, the film's attempts to form a "we're actually alike" type of bond or connection doesn't work as well, and you never get a sense that the two men were actually close in any way. The final, fast-paced and searing act of "Captain Phillips" is its best and one of the most nerve-racking sequences seen in the movies this year; it's in those final, heart-wrenching moments where Hanks shines through best and will certainly earn his next Oscar nomination. Though true stories like this don't entirely escape embellishment or controversy, you can't deny the fact that the real Captain Phillips was brave and courageous. You also won't deny that the movie "Captain Phillips" is one of the most riveting films this year, and should figure heavily into the upcoming awards season. Welcome back, Mr. Hanks, it's nice to see you again.

Wes's Grade: A-