Hanks and Greengrass have nothing but smooth sailing with “Captain Phillips”

Whether or not the events depicted in this film are portrayed accurately, or if the actual Captain Richard Phillips is even close to the heroic mantra that Hanks effortlessly portrays him as, it should be known that as a Hollywood semi-biopic, it is a given that liberties will be taken for better cinematic effect. And thankfully, Greengrass fantastically gives us that with Captain Phillips.

It helps that after directing the last two Bourne films in the original trilogy and the incredible 9/11 drama, United 93,Greengrass manages to blend in the best elements of those films and putting them into one thrilling package. Captain Phillips in its essence is a drama with remotely nonstop tension throughout, much akin to United 93 whereas it also applies the incredible action spirit that Greengrass’ Bourne films have.

And the other force that helps bind this film together is Tom Hanks, who is a revelation in this film by not only giving the best performance of his career since Robert Zemeckis’ “Cast Away,” but by perfecting the ideal “normal man” who has been put into a life-or-death situation. And whether or not the real Captain Phillips was anything like what Hanks portrayed, there is no doubt in the audiences’ mind that Hanks projects so many emotional layers that are especially evident within the film’s closing 15 minutes.

It helps that besides the stellar Hanks, we have a complete cast of unknowns, which help add to the film’s realistic feel. Whether it is within Phillips’ crew, or the intense Somalian pirates that invade, there was never a single moment where I felt like I was watching a dramatization, but rather that I was right there on that ship. And the greatness of those unknown Somalian actors deserve much praise, particularly Barkhad Abdi, who portrays our antagonist that does not evoke a generic villain personality, but thanks to the script, has many emotional layers to him that makes one interested in his backstory.

I find it interesting that this film was released so close to Cuaron’s Gravity because while they are both within completely different settings, while Gravity explored agoraphobia, Captain Phillips explored the idea of claustrophobia. And the claustrophobic feel is especially given the spotlight once the film’s second half initiates.

Some may not be in for the film’s pacing and running time, especially during the film’s second half, but when I originally believed that it went a bit too long during that time, I feel that it somehow added to the overall experience that Phillips probably had during his time inside that lifeboat. Thus, elevating the film to a height that I never expected- a height in which it revealed itself as a truly fascinating character-study of an everyday man put in one of the situations that no sane person would want to endure. 

 

 

 

Captain Phillips earns a 4.5/5

Fast & Furious 6 – Movie Review

It isn’t often the case when the fifth movie of a franchise is considered the best of the bunch, but it definitely applies to the Fast & Furious franchise. What started out as simple flicks involving street racing soon took a different turn (pun intended) when 2011’s Fast Five opened that Summer movie season. Justin Lin’s film shifted the focus from street racing and instead made an entertaining flick that focused more on a heist-mission, as well as on this charismatic team of criminals, while also still interjecting some over-the-top action set-pieces. Now that Lin has come back to the director’s chair, we have the newest installment, Fast & Furious 6.

Set right after the events of Fast Five, Dominic Torretto (Diesel) and his crew have settled down after the successful bank-heist when Agent Luke Hobbs (Johnson) is forced to offer the crew a deal in which he will offer them full pardons on their crimes if they will assist him in taking down Owen Shaw (Evans), an ex-British special forces officer who started an organization for vehicular warfare. Things get even more dramatic when the crew learns that Shaw’s second-in-command is Toretto’s thought-dead girlfriend, Letty (Rodriguez).

These Fast & Furious films are not meant to be analyzed in the traditional film critic, “mumbo-jumbo” knowing that they are not trying to be Oscar-worthy movies, but rather entertaining popcorn flicks. No one walks into the theater hoping to see a thought-provoking film. They come to see exciting car chases, hand-to-hand combat, adrenaline-pumping action, and even some eye-candy. And this latest entry to this franchise definitely reaches its goals and proves to be truly entertaining throughout.

 

The cast does a serviceable job, especially when it comes to their chemistry with eachother, as well as during the action sequences. They all look like they are having the time of their lives filming this movie as their chemistry blends well with the film’s light-hearted style and humor. It should also be worth mentioning that each of their stunt work is genuinely jaw-dropping to see onscreen. 

Much of the film’s success is credit to Justin Lin, who directs to film so well with his actors, but most importantly the action, which is pumped up to 11. The film is stock full of entertaining car-chases and hand-to-hand combat, and it’s nice to see that the action is not only directed well, but displays minimal shaky-cam. The film’s effects also manage to blend in both the practical and computer generated imagery successfully that it makes the action even more gripping.

As for flaws, I’d say that the film’s first third feels somewhat flat-lined, as if nothing exciting really happens until the film’s second act. Also, the film’s script is definitely not Kaufman-level, as the dialogue is somewhat mediocre, and the story does have a few plot-holes and a twist that feels so stupid and predictable. 

But then again, who really cares? This movie is called, Fast & Furious 6 for crying out loud! We all just want to see the fast cars, the awesome action, and have a grand time at the cinema, and thankfully, this film is a prime example of great popcorn entertainment. Fast & Furious 6 is a movie that begs a sold-out audience. It’s a film that you and your friends go out to on a Friday night, with a popcorn bucket and a drink just ready to have a thoroughly entertaining ride (pun intended).

Fast & Furious 6 earns a 4/5.