Terrorist attacks on society today are sadly turning into common events.
So when a filmmaker like Peter Berg sets his sights on a rather recent such occurrence like the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, some people may feel it is still too early to fully digest.
However this director has taken its gripping subject matter and has turned it into an edge-of-your-seat Docu-thriller.
PATRIOTS DAY begins with the events leading up to and exhaustive aftermath manhunt by the FBI, State Police, Sheriff and Boston police.
It is the story of heroism by survivors, first responders and investigators of how despite incredible odds this Boston strong force was able to capture the perpetrators within an incredibly short time span in neighboring Watertown.
In the words of police commissioner John Goodman: “My cops are running on fumes.”
The film is an almost hour-by-hour insight from just before the shocking events right on through to the end.
It’s the STORY you know but the characters you DIDN’T!
The blending of actual footage with staged scenes has been achieved seamlessly by director Peter Berg.
As for casting this emotional thriller, co-producer Mark Wahlberg went for an A-list lineup with the likes of Kevin Bacon, John Goodman, J.K. Simmons, Michelle Monaghan and Wahlberg himself just to mention a few.
This is human spirit played out at its highest level.
I defy anyone watching this film not to choke up during the closing scenes.
Powerful story telling combined with hard hitting police action.
PATRIOTS DAY is NOT to be missed!
My score: A
JACK GOES TO THE MOVIES Friday’s during Kansas City’s Morning News on 98.1 FM, KMBZ.
Hey, hey. An A.
Is it worth braving the pending ice storm?
I too heard it was outstanding. Great review. One of the co stars, Jimmy Yang from the HBO SERIES, SILICON VALLEY, is a comic and was at Stanfords this past year, nice guy, fantastic talent.
Thanks CG.
Was Jimmy Yang the guy who played the ‘kid’ the two terrorists kidnapped and who then escaped and tipped off the cops? (He—the character—really was instrumental in solving the case so quickly.)
If Yang IS the actor then hats off to his very believable performance.
Hope you take the time to see the picture. It’s definitely worth it.
Happy New Year, Craig.
YES
Great movie.. just got back. Review was right on.