Captain Phillips-Teen Movie Review

On April 8, 2009 the Maersk Alabama cargo ship, en route for Kenya, was hijacked by four Somali pirates. The pirates were armed with assault riffles, the Americans were unarmed (though they had water cannons to fight off the pirates). The pirates were lead by Captain Muse (Barkhad Abdi) and the Alabama ship was commanded by Captain Richard Phillips (Tom Hanks). Both men were leaders, and both men wanted to control the ship. Captain Phillips, based on a true story, is an amazing film about a tough, fearless captain who showed courage and strength as he endured the horrific crisis in which he was held hostage by four dangerous Somali pirates.

Rating: 4 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: January 21, 2014
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 15+
Sexual Content: None
Violent Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol: Mild
Will It Appeal to Teens? Yes

Talking Points:

Captain Phillips is based on a true story, this is a great educational film that will spark some interesting parent/child conversations.

Tom Hanks role as Captain Phillips was outstanding, he played the part to a tee.

It was interesting to see the relationship between Captain Phillips and the Somali pirate captain, Muse. When the pirates boarded the ship, Muse said, “just business, we want money; when everybody paid we go home.”  He needed to get millions of dollars for his boss in Somalia.

Parents need to be aware of the intense storyline that may frighten some kids.

Sexual Content: None

Violent Content: Excessive

• The pirates are intense, scary and violent!
• The pirates punch, kick, and choke several characters.
• A character steps on broken glass, we see his open wounds and bloody feet.
• Character’s were shot and killed, blood was sprayed all over everyone.
• The pirates continuously pointed guns at the American’s heads.

Crude or Profane Language: Mild

• We heard “a–,” “h–,” “d–n,” and “p—y.”

Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild

• The Somalis smoke cigarettes, and chew on leaves, which contain stimulants.

Will it Appeal to Teens? Yes

Overall Captain Phillips is an intense drama. Depending on the child I would say this is appropriate for kids ages 15 and up.

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