I wasn't expecting much out of this movie when I first decided to check it out. To my surprise it's a competently made movie that kept me focused all the way through. I thought this was going to be straight by the numbers disaster movie, which will have some moments that will just drag on an on. To my surprise, it hit the emotional moments at the right moments and focused a good deal leading up the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. And the aftermath when it comes to the people that got effected and the investigation in tracking down the culprits. The narrative is easy to follow and there wasn't any complexity when it comes to the investigation. That includes the simple cinematography that didn't seem to have much techniques put into it. Although some of the characters seemed over-dramatic, yeah it's was a very serious situation but it just felt pretentious at times. Unlike how it was in "Zero Dark Thirty", but this is a patriotic movie after all. However the most effective elements is how it shows all angles and perspective of the people that was involved in the bombing. Including the aftermath and what the people had to go through because of the bombers. Mark Wahlberg does what he does, but it works into this just fine and that includes all the other actors playing the people that was involved in the manhunt. The celebration at the end is one of the things I disagreed with in this film. It was probably to make it a good happy ending while showing the people coming together and not letting the bombings bring them down. But I personally think it should have gone in a more grim and dark direction, which shows the seriousness of it all. Despite showing how although the culprits were either apprehended or killed, isn't something to entirely celebrate about. Yes, it's a good thing that they managed to find the people that was responsible and was able to exact justice. I am glad justice was served and the bombers got what they deserved. And sure, it can be a celebration for some folks when the culprits that committed the deadly atrocity is caught or killed off. But after innocent peoples lives that were lost and the damages that was done by just two lunatics with malicious intents. I personally think it should have taken a more serious approach at the end instead of going on a happy we come together ending. It can work when it comes to fictional movies like "Independence Day". But when it comes to something that is based on a true event, when it comes to just two simpleminded terrorists causing destruction and affecting the lives of others in a negative way. The happy ending with everyone smiling, laughing and holding hands wasn't the right choice in my opinion. Even if life still goes on after the bombing. Which is why I think the ending to "Zero Dark Thirty" worked better.
7.8/10
7.8/10