Film: Captain Phillips

To be honest I found it difficult becoming enthusiastic over a film about Somali pirates - a "true story" at that. I mean sure, I guess piracy has a certain exciting air around it but this was not exactly going to be a Jack Sparrow affair. But still, some rave reviews from the press and friends alike convinced me to give it a try.

And I'm half glad that I did. Captain Phillips wasn't a brilliant film, but it was a very solid effort - a good example of a movie that stuck to the basics, avoided any gimmicks and delivered.

Notable flaws include an excessive use of camera shake (surely I'm not the only one who gets a headache with this?) and an over-long and over-played finale (complete with good ol' Hanks' trademark overacting), but these weren't enough to wreck the film.

If you're looking for something that is neither your typical shallow movie fare or over exposed arthouse flick, than you could do worse.