Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong
Based on the horrific bombings that occurred in Boston in April 2013, Patriots Day tackles the events shortly prior to the attack and the days afterwards.
The Movie starts-off by introducing us to characters that were affected by the bombings and its aftermath, right away connecting the audience on a personal level. The story then moves to Tommy Saunders (Mark Wahlberg) amidst an arrest for a misdemeanour, then being told by the Commissioner, Ed Davis (John Goodman), that he will be placed at the finish line for the marathon. Proceed to the marathon where Tommy is on stand-by at the finish line, a few of the racers cross the finish line then Dzhokhar (Alex Wolff) and Tamerlan (Themo Melikidze) set-off the bombs that killed three people, and scarred a nation. After the bombings, Special Agent Richard DesLauriers (Kevin Bacon) comes in and leads the FBI on the investigation. Over the four days after the bombings, under the guidance of the Watertown Police Department led by Sergeant Jeffrey Pugliese (J.K. Simmons), both Dzhokhar and Tamerlan were captured, though Tamerlan was killed eventually. Patriots Day provides great detail into the 100-hour horror.
Despite at times bordering on racially-insensitive undertones and being unintentionally humorous, Patriots Day thrives much in part due to Mark Wahlberg, who gives a stand-out performance. His connection to his hometown of Boston is unquestionable and it is understandable that it was important for him to help tell this story. Furthermore, John Goodman and Kevin Bacon deliver exceptional performances, owning each moment they appear on-screen. Despite being a minor character only, Oscar winner J.K. Simmons leaves a lasting impression. Alex Wolff and Themo Melikidze as the Boston Bombers are startling in their believability.
eOne Films release PATRIOTS DAY Friday, January 13, 2017.
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com