Fallen Eye
So, is it just me or did Wahlbergs's 2016 Patriot's Day tell a slightly different story about what happened, compared to Stronger? Where is the line that separates a biography from fiction?Though Stronger didn't depict it very well, it seems to me that Jeff is a hero because of him identifying one of the brothers, yet in Patriot's Day, it was an FBI agent who cracked the case, through no help or mention of this Jeff.The problem here is, these are biographical depictions, less than a year apart, about the exact same event, and hell, even from the same studio, so, which do we believe or which do we believe more, or, are they both true, though their stories are different?Furthermore, this bothers me because if Stronger is "less true", then Jeff's praise is based on what, a misunderstanding?I don't know, I just feel like many people got affected by what happened in Boston that day, and some are trying to cash in (especially because just like Patriot's Day, it didn't do too well at the Box Office). What I'm trying to say is, if the actual Jeff Bauman didn't feel like a hero, then this film would've never been made, ABOUT HIM, also, it would've highlighted who was in fact instrumental in identifying the bomber(s), but the movie was made, even though Jeff's account of the events may be somewhat compromised. Like I said, I don't know, Stronger just feels a certain way, because of Patriot's Day, and guess, so does Patriot's Day now.Anyway, all of that aside, Stronger wasn't quite as strong as Patriot's Day I have to say, but still, an okay watch. 6/10.
devibuerger
This is one of the movies that really, honestly and without trying too hard will move you every time you watch it and on top of that will stick with you over your life.
Tatiana Maslany and Jake Gyllenhaal are revelations and would both have deserved an Oscar nomination in 2018 if not both a Oscar win. It is beyond me how the Acedemy could possibly keep ignoring Gyllenhaal but I doubt they will be able to keep doing that seeing as Gyllenhaal's next movies look extremly promising. Back to this film though, it needs to be experienced is all I want to say, the real moments will blow you away and there is one line Gyllenhaal delivers towards the end that crushed me like almost no other before. It is in the catacombs at a stadium is all I'll say before going out on the field. This is a beautiful film that does not focus on the attack but on humans, real geniuine humans.
kz917-1
Stronger tells the story of Jeff Bauman survival and recovery from being a victim of the Boston Marathon bombings.This film does not shy away from the gritty reality of what Jeff faced. It courageous shows his family and experiences - warts and all.The gentleman in the cowboy hat that helped him has a conversation regarding PTSD that I am sure resonated with many movie goers.Perseverance & American Spirit at its best.Fantastic movie - worth a view.
mr_bickle_the_pickle
What I liked about this film and what I think makes it stand out a bit more than other "inspirational" type of films, is this really focuses on the aftermath of the disaster. How these people's lives were affected by it. It doesnt shy away from showing people angry or crying or wanting to give up. I wish there had been someone to suggest going to a therapist though. It kind of irks me that when it comes to health care, mental health isnt also thought of. This isn't a fault with the movie (as I realize this is based off a real guy - and his real experiences), but it still annoyed me when he was getting crap at rehab. Like, maybe he would care more about taking this seriously if he had time to actuallly process what happened and why it happened. It does help that there is also great performances by Jake Gyllenhaal and Tatiana Maslany. Miranda Richardson also completely loses herself in the role. She feels like they genuinely pulled a real life Bostonian mom and put her in the movie. One nitpick I do have is that the film really shoves the "Boston Strong" message down your throat. I get this was a popular phrase coming out of the bombings. But I feel like every other scene either someone is saying it or a sign is showing it. It's a bit too patriotic at times.
AD
