Romano Reviews: Patriots Day

People for some reason have an obsession with knowing more about terrible things. I am the same way, but I can't explain why. That might be why movies like 'Patriots Day' continue to be made. 'Patriots Day', Starring Mark Wahlberg, provides an opportunity for everyday people to possibly learn a little more about the attack.

All of my reviews follow a similar format. I will present three things I liked about the movie, three things that were total garbage, and then give it a completely irrelevant, arbitrary, and ambiguous rating. So let's start.

The good:

1. All-star Cast

This movie has the ability to boast one of the most talented casting lists this year. With incredible ability from actors like Mark Wahlberg, J.k. Simmons (farmers insurance Guy), Kevin Bacon, and John Goodman, anyone looking for high-class acting will enjoy this film.

2. Good character development

Even though it is based on real events, It is still important to develop the people in the film so the audience can invest in them. 'Patriots Day' does an excellent job of not only making the police and officials empathetic but also explores the motivations and personalities of the terrorists.

3. Multiple perspectives of the events

Any crisis has multiple people involved and multiple points of view. 'Patriots Day' shows the many different perspectives of the numerous people involved. It explores the experiences of first responders, civilian victims, government officials, and even the terrorists, themselves.

The Garbage

1. Mark Wahlberg's Character is Fake!!!!

This is something that really got me going. The whole movie we were following the experience of a hero first responder, who turned out to be the main player in finding the terrorists, only to find out that the character was completely made up. It takes away from the realism and accuracy of the entire movie, and I am now wondering how much of it was true.

2. Too long...

I get that an event, such as this, requires a certain level of explanation; however, it wasn't important to have every single aspect of the situation portrait on film. There were moments, like the terrorists shopping for milk, that were completely unnecessary for the major plot.

3. It was More of a Movie About Boston

Let me preface this by saying there is nothing wrong with a movie that highlights the power of a community in crisis. This actually makes for a very moving emotional pull to the movie, but I was personally looking for more information as opposed to motivation.

Ultimate Rating: 6.82 Screaming Wahlbergs