Review of Patriots Day (2016) by Rashaun A — 20 Jan 2017

Peter Burg and Mark Wahlberg are back at it again, teaming up to bring us another fantastic movie in, "Patriots Day". Patriots Day is based on the Boston Marathon bombings that took place on April 15th, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts. This heart warming drama does not just center around the star that is Mark Wahlberg and his character Tommy Saunders, a Boston police officer; it centers around multiple characters and tells this story from their point of view as well. This is by far one of the best films of the year and you will experience several different emotions while watching this film so strap your mood rings on and get ready to be enthralled by this emotional roller coaster ride!

The story of Patriots Day rotates between a variety of different characters including first responders, investigators, survivors, and even the bombers themselves. You get to see the motivations of every character and see how the lives of the people centered around the bombing that day were affected. As events unfold prior, during, and after the bombing your heart will race as you start to feel for everyone involved. The direction of this movie is absolute genius and you can tell that this film was handled with the proper care, respect, and most importantly, class. Peter Burg was able to tell a gripping and compelling story that has you at the edge of your seat from start to finish; while taking you through a suspenseful investigation all at the same time. If this isn't brilliant directing then I'm not sure what is.

This film has a variety of memorable scenes that you will remember long after you see the movie. By far the best scene in the film for me is after the events of the bombing and everyone is frantically trying to get a read on the situation, the protagonist, Tommy Saunders, returns home to collect his thoughts after what just transpired. His wife and family worried sick about him quickly swarm him as he walks through the door, asking several questions while giving him no room to breathe or think. Tommy is an emotional wreck at the moment and is not sure of how to feel or think when it comes to what he has just witnessed. He then proceeds to scream at the entire family and demands that they leave his home. As he finally gets to sit down and process what he just saw his wife Carol Saunders, played by Michelle Monaghan, goes to comfort him. During this seen Tommy completely breaks down in tears, describing the horrifying events that he just saw. This scene will move you without question and Mark Wahlberg's performance here automatically reels you in and prepares you for what the rest of the film has in store for you. Peter Burg shows his hand during this scene and at this point you are either in or your out with this movie and I was all in.

Mark Wahlberg definitely has the best overall performance in the film but the supporting cast in this movie will hook you every moment they are on screen. Academy Award winner, J.K. Simmons turns in another great performance as Sergeant Jeffrey Pugliese, and you can't help but to keep your eyes glued to the screen when he's on it. John Goodman as Commissioner Ed Davis and Kevin Bacon as Special Agent Richard DesLauriers turn in great supporting performances as well. You completely buy the fact that these four men want and are going to catch the bombers at all costs because they believe in justice for all of Boston. And you cant help but cheer for them as they progress through their investigation. You can tell all of the actors bought into their roles and believed in the direction of Peter Burg because this movie relies on these performances and the film would have fell flat on it's face if the performances were not as stellar as they were.

I was hypnotized during this film and was ready for the next scene every step of the way. The only real gripe I have with the film is the fact that I would have liked to have seen many more scenes with some of the supporting cast in the film. This is tough since the story already circles around many different characters but I could have definitely sat through another twenty minutes of this movie if it meant I got to see more of J.K. Simmons or John Goodman in action. With more screen time either of these two could be easily in the running for a best supporting actor nomination at the Oscars. However I feel that the film will make up for that because Peter Burg should be nominated for best director and I wont be surprised if this film is nominated for best picture.

With all of that being said Patriots Day is a remarkably inspiring film, and also a very charming one at that. This film is a must see and ranks up there as one of the top ten films this year at a 9/10. I may not be from Boston but after watching this film I have a much better idea on what the true definition of what "Boston Strong" truly means.