Captain Phillips has been hailed with a wave of incredible reviews. The film, which is released in the US tomorrow, has been described as "a survival saga that raises the pulse and tweaks the conscience" (Peter Howell of The Toronto Star).

Captain Phillips
Tom Hanks stars in Captain Phillips, the thriller is based on a true story.

This is certainly what audiences are led to believe from the trailer which sees Tom Hanks starring as Richard Phillips, the captain of a vessel hijacked by pirates from Somalia. The thriller is based on the true story of Phillips who captained the MV Maersk Alabama cargo ship in 2009. He was held hostage by a band of dangerous pirates whilst he attempted to protect his crew of twenty.

Watch the movie trailer for Captain Phillips:

Hanks' performance has been highly praised with some speculating that this role may win him a second Oscar (his first was for Philadelphia in 1993). Certainly A.A. Dowd (of A.V. Club) felt it was Hanks' "best performance in years." He continued by praising Hanks' performance as one that "resurrects the actor's dormant gift-shared by Hollywood ancestors like Gregory Peck and Jimmy Stewart-for charismatic decency." The Chicago Tribune's critic, Michael Phillips, more simply stated Hanks performance was "all business."

Captain Phillips
The film tells the story of Captain Phillips who was held hostage by Somali pirates in 2009.

Captain Phillips is directed by Paul Greengrass who was responsible for such films as The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum and Green Zone. Greengrass has been described by one critic as "a jittery poet of reality" (Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly). Furthermore that his previous direction of other action movies has ensured he is something of a master of the genre, and he ensures his films are "taut and visceral" (Jocelyn Noveck of the Associated Press).

Captain Phillips is released in the US today (11th October). Viewers in the UK can expect the film in cinemas by 18th October. 

Captain Phillips
Captain Phillips has recieved high praise from critics.