Whatever Doesn't Kill You Makes You "Stronger"

Stronger (2017)

Rated R

Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Tatiana Maslany, Miranda Richardson,

Directed by David Gordon Green

The Story:

In 2013, terrorists set off explosive devices at the Boston Marathon. One of those survivors, Jeff Bauman (Gyllenhaal) was there to cheer on his on-again/off-again girlfriend, Erin (Maslany). His courage and strength became a huge part of the #BostonStrong movement. Here is his story, warts and all.

I've been down this road before with 'based on true stories' before.

You want to like it, and you feel bad when you don't, because this was somebody's real-life story, not a character brought to life by the imagination of a screenwriter.

I would say if you wanted to watch a movie about the Boston Marathon bombing, go watch the far superior Patriots Day.

The biggest issue I had with this movie was Jeff Bauman himself.

He's an ass, pure and simple.

Sure, you feel bad for the guy and the situation that he's been put into, but he really wasn't that likable before the accident, and afterwards, he becomes nearly insufferable.

To his credit, Gyllenhaal comes across exactly as that.

You feel for the guy, then the next minute, you wouldn't mind punching him in the face.

Then there is Erin, the long-suffering girlfriend of the guy that wouldn't be there for her, then the one time he does something nice for her, this happens. How's that for a guilt trip, and she feels obliged to literally put her entire life on hold to be there for Jeff.

Do they really love each other?

Hard to say, but the implication is that they are simply bound together by fate, and actual feelings take a backseat in Boston.

Final Grade: C

Putting Lipstick On A Pig... "Our Brand Is Crisis"

Our Brand Is Crisis (2015)

Rated R

Starring Sandra Bullock, Billy Bob Thornton, Anthony Mackie, Joaquim de Almeida, Ann Dowd

Directed by David Gordon Green

The Story:

In 2002, former Bolivian President Castillo (de Almeida) is so far behind in the presidential election polls, the group that is trying to get him elected turns to former election strategist "Calamity Jane" Bodine (Bullock) to do what she can to get him elected. The problem is, the people don't want him in charge, so Jane works to create a message that will resonate with the people, even if her candidate doesn't.

Based on a true story.

Can you imagine that?

An election with candidates so awful, that you have to spin anything to try and promise some hope and whiff of chance that your candidate is the only one that can save the day.

Bolivia 2002, or America 2016?

Either way, it tries hard to be both a comedy and a drama. A thriller and a political satire.

Perhaps it tries too hard? There's a good story in there, but sometimes trying for a bit or a moment, the story feels forced and doesn't organically flow.

It all amounts to not a whole lot, other than some really good actors given not a whole lot to do except bark at one another.

Thornton plays very well as the yin to Bullock's yang.

The main problem:  this is Sandra Bullock. If we are supposed to have any doubts that she can be devious and willing to risk it all, those ideals are packaged into one of America's sweethearts, and it's much harder to buy that as the audience.

And there are several moments that work, the llama scene and the election coverage spring to mind.

Joaquim de Almeida impresses as always. He could be a bad guy in any role on any movie, and you will believe it. And he has enough charisma and presence that you like to hate him, or hate to like him.

It was good, but with a few tinkerings, it could have been great.

Now I have to wonder which of the 2016 campaigns Jane is working on...

Final Grade:  C+