Patriots Day: Average Guy Movie Review

In their third collaboration, Mark Wahlberg and Peter Berg are once again bringing a real life event to the silver screen. On 15th April 2013 the Tsarnaev brothers detonated two improvised explosive devices at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. This is the story of that day, the joint FBI/Police investigation and the four-day manhunt that followed.

Even though you know it's coming, you can feel the tension build as you await the inevitable explosions. From there, slow burn turns to high octane as the cops deal with the aftermath and the manhunt begins. Mark Wahlberg plays Sgt. Tommy Saunders, an amalgamation of three cops who were either present at the time of the bombing or involved in the subsequent investigation and manhunt. Also involved are Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis (John Goodman) and FBI Special Agent Richard DesLauriers (Kevin Bacon).

The splicing of real CCTV footage into the movie adds a creepy vibe. That being said, Patriots Day still feels like the action movie version of real events. You can always count on Hollywood to put their own spin on history. The movie has received criticism for Wahlberg's character, and I can understand why. You bring a recent - and in some cases, raw - piece of history to life, shoot for accuracy and cast a local guy in the lead role. Then you make that role a work of fiction. It seems like a stupid move, that leaves the movie open to criticism. On the other hand, Patriots Day does seem to adhere closely to the real events. And a lot of those caught up in this terrible incident are said to be happy with the movie.

The important thing is that the spirit of the story does make it through. The worst in us does bring out the best in us. A lot of people worked and sacrificed to help the victims and bring those responsible to justice, this is their story.

8/10

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