15:17 to Paris
I wanted to like this movie more than I did. The core story, of a group of international folks, including three American friends from childhood, foiling a mass shooting/terrorist attack on a train in France is a gripping one. The director, Clint Eastwood, has done a fine job with real-life events in the past (American Sniper, Sully).
But this story just isn't comfortably stretched out to movie length. The actual event lasted maybe 10 minutes, and the movie got its filler time from back stories that are rather cliched, fairly unremarkable - although with bright spots - and slow-moving. The three mischievous kids - I enjoyed these actors - set upon by the rote, rigid school system. Got it. Two pf tje friends make their way through Europe to meet with the third friend, and they have a good time as tourists till boarding the fateful train. Got it.
Eastwood did something brave and worthy by casting the actual three Americans whose story this involves. While the intent was good, it doesn't always work, and their lack of acting experience is sometimes a little jarring, but I appreciate the effort and thoughtfulness that went into this decision.
Overall, it was watchable enough, but that's in opposition to Eastwood's other true-event other movies that were captivating. It's more of a story for a Discovery Channel documentary than this movie. The foundational story is compelling. Its execution, less so.
I wanted to like this movie more than I did. The core story, of a group of international folks, including three American friends from childhood, foiling a mass shooting/terrorist attack on a train in France is a gripping one. The director, Clint Eastwood, has done a fine job with real-life events in the past (American Sniper, Sully).
But this story just isn't comfortably stretched out to movie length. The actual event lasted maybe 10 minutes, and the movie got its filler time from back stories that are rather cliched, fairly unremarkable - although with bright spots - and slow-moving. The three mischievous kids - I enjoyed these actors - set upon by the rote, rigid school system. Got it. Two pf tje friends make their way through Europe to meet with the third friend, and they have a good time as tourists till boarding the fateful train. Got it.
Eastwood did something brave and worthy by casting the actual three Americans whose story this involves. While the intent was good, it doesn't always work, and their lack of acting experience is sometimes a little jarring, but I appreciate the effort and thoughtfulness that went into this decision.
Overall, it was watchable enough, but that's in opposition to Eastwood's other true-event other movies that were captivating. It's more of a story for a Discovery Channel documentary than this movie. The foundational story is compelling. Its execution, less so.
That line gets me everytime!!
