Review of The 15:17 to Paris (2018) by Lee H — 25 Mar 2018

I'm giving this movie 4 stars as measured against other Eastwood films. If I were to rate it against the usual Hollywood fare, it would get a full 5. It's taking a lot of heat for being dull, mostly because of the school days scenes. I like that we are seeing how these heroes were shaped and influenced, and knowing that they were such longtime friends. It of course underscores the idea that extraordinary can and does arise from the seemingly ordinary.

But more than that. Most interesting is the truth of what the main character repeatedly professed to want from life: to help others. He had a definite idea of how he wanted to help, too. But his goals were repeatedly thwarted in ways which looked to him to be indistinguishable from failure. Yet they were these 'failures' driving the train (so to speak) of his life leading to the ultimate success he found in the opportunity for true heroism. Just awesome to be told such a wonderful story without the need to be over sold with the great big bag of special effects usually heaped high for no other reason than they exist (so might as well).

As far as the actors playing themselves- I thought the decision was inspired. I Loved 'hanging out' with these real life heroes in Europe, as if I was being offered the opportunity to get to know them just a little. I watched them closely, as how could I not? I was compelled to, because I was watching true American heroes. Based on what was found on the terrorist, the carnage promised to be astronomical. And here were the very men in whom the ability and the will to prevent such catastrophe converged. There was no problem with the film being dull or using bad actors. Many views did not want to go to the movies to see 'real life's. But that is what I absolutely loved about this movie. Just real life in the most heroic possible way. Hmm...maybe Clint's a bit of a hero himself for memorializing this awesome act of bravery.