Stronger: Movie Review
"Stronger" is a film about relationships, love, and tragedy. This devastating true story about real life Boston native, Jeff Bauman, who loses his legs in the Boston Marathon bombing, is lifted by unbelievable performances by the two leads, but fails to find the right footing when necessary.
The two leads in the film, Jake Gyllenhaal and Tatiana Maslany are unbelievable. What seems like a formulaic, good feel story, is is saved by their touching and often poignant chemistry. It's hard to look away.
But while the performances are top notch, the story told here is often frustrating to watch. From Bauman's frequently annoying and over the top family, to a scene with drunk driving that turns comedic, the tone is all over the place, and really the biggest flaw of the film. While the character driven portions don't quite work, there is some meaningful dialogue scarcely throughout.
One of the highlights of the film is Bauman's relationship with Carlos (Carlos Sanz), who saved him in the horrifying blast. It's beautiful to watch this relationship unravel, and the dialogue hits a real sweet spot. It's a shame that director David Gordon Green couldn't manage the script and make it a bit tighter and more heartwarming.
"Stronger" is an astonishing feat of two actors at the top of their game. While the story is safe and boring, and even got on my nerves a few times, it's competently made. Overall it's just an average film that had the opportunity to be a truly great true story.
One of the highlights of the film is Bauman's relationship with Carlos (Carlos Sanz), who saved him in the horrifying blast. It's beautiful to watch this relationship unravel, and the dialogue hits a real sweet spot. It's a shame that director David Gordon Green couldn't manage the script and make it a bit tighter and more heartwarming."Stronger" is an astonishing feat of two actors at the top of their game. While the story is safe and boring, and even got on my nerves a few times, it's competently made. Overall it's just an average film that had the opportunity to be a truly great true story.
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