Review of Patriots Day (2016) by Scott J — 25 Jan 2017

A couple months ago, I saw a film named United 93. It followed the events during the morning of 9/11. It was an extremely intense and emotional movie. Patriots Day felt very similar. Centering around a tragic event in American history and putting you right in the action.

I remember where I was when I heard about the Boston Marathon bombing, but I never knew the story behind it. When the bombs go off in this film, it's fairly hard to watch. You see blood, gore, bones, and pure terror.

What really hit me was how the police department was in shock just like everyone else except they had to still do their job. Hundreds of injuries to account for and absolute mayhem around them. So for the actual filming of the race and the bombing, it is extremely intense.

I can't imagine how people from Boston would feel watching that scene. As for the rest of the movie, it is well made. All the actors like Mark Wahlberg, John Goodman, J.K. Simmons, Kevin Bacon, Michelle Monaghan, etc.

do a credible job and the action set-pieces like the shootout between the bombers and police department in Watertown was very well shot and executed. However, this film does slip into the, "Okay, let's pick it up" territory.

I felt it could have been trimmed down in some places. As for the "propaganda" label, this film has received, I have to address my thoughts. Now, I am Canadian, not American. I have visited Boston before but I did not grow up there.

That being said, with a title like "Patriots Day" I could understand why this film would be patriotic. It is a story of tragedy and the people of a city coming together to help one another in a time of crisis.

It didn't get into Muslim bashing (that much) and there wasn't really any "America is the best country in the world y'all" kind of talk. You can expect a long epilog though with text and pictures about the real people involved in the attacks.

If that somehow is "propaganda" and people are upset over it, I think they are looking into this film too much. Yes, it's Pro-American. Big Deal. Look at the title, you should have known that going into it.

Overall, this is a good movie. If you like "based on true events" type movies or movies about American patriotism, then this is the film for you. As your friendly neighbour to the north, God Bless America.

Good luck with your new leadership.