Patriots Day: DVD Review

Patriots Day is based on the true events of the bombings at the 2013 Boston marathon. It stars Mark Wahlberg, John Goodman, Kevin Bacon, J.K. Simmons, and Michelle Monaghan.
    What really blew me away about this film was how authentic and realistic it felt! You feel as if you're witnessing the events of the bombings first hand; you feel as if you're there with Dun Meng as he's taken hostage by the terrorists and his car hijacked; and you feel as if you're right there with the police as they conduct their manhunt, step by painstaking step. But most importantly, you feel as if you're watching real people - not actors - react to the situations around them. Mark Wahlberg gives an outstandingingly believable performance, as does the rest of the cast. Again, I didn't see A list actors on the screen, but real people with convincing dialogue and genuine emotions. A special call out to J.K. Simmons, who effortlessly plays Sergeant Jeffrey Pugliese, the real life cop who, when driving home from a 16 hour shift, responded to a call to help apprehend the terrorists.

Some have complained about Peter Berg's use of shaky cam, but I found no issue with it. I thought the technique was utilized effectively and created a greater sense of tension and suspense. In no way did I think it was overdone. Also, Director Peter Berg adeptly interweaves real life surveillance and video footage throughout the film, often to the point where it blends in seamlessly. And I didnt think the film was being exploitive in any way; the whole thing felt like a respectful tribute to the men and women - both in and out of uniform - who endured this aweful tragedy. It took its subject matter seriously, while simultaneously creating one of the best police thrillers in recent memory.

   

Patriots Day is the most gripping and emotional film I've seen all year. Witnesses of the Boston bombings and subsequent manhunt say that Peter Berg went above and beyond in making the film as accurate as possible. Yes, it's not 100 percent accurate, but it hits the mark way more than most historical dramas do. The interview with actual survivers before the end credits was especially moving and had me in tears. So if you can handle grisly images and near constant strong language, Patriots Day will take you on a journey of human perseverance through one of Boston's darkest trials. I highly recommend you give it a chance.

4 stars out of 5 

Have you seen Patriots Day? What did you think of it? Feel free to comment below!