Stronger [Blu-ray] [2017]

It pains me to say that this isn't as good as the Mark Whalberg Patriots Day movie... and I was sure it was going to be much better after seeing the trailer. Personally, I'm a huge Jake Gyllenhaal fan, I think he is one of the great actors of his generation, however, even his performance (which is superb) doesn't save this picture.My biggest problem with this film was the pace (which is quite slow the majority of the time) and the fact that the characters aren't really likeable (well except Erin, expertly performed by Tatiana Maslany). Don't get me wrong, I really feel for the guy and I know he must have gone through the most horrific time (which no-one deserves) but he doesn't come across as a very likeable individual (which is an incredibly harsh thing to say when I've never met the guy, but that's just how I was left feeling). Also, his family come across as awful people... I saw one reviewer state that the Adam's family seem nicer!My wife has a test with movies of this ilk, which she refers to as 'the cry test'... if it doesn't pass the cry test then it's no good in her view. Not only did it not pass the cry test, but it almost achieved the 'fall asleep test'!I will finish this opinionated review by pointing out the obvious - mine is a subjective view and I would certainly recommend that people give this movie a shot, I just wouldn't recommend purchasing it as, in my view, it's not worth repeat viewings. Also, even though I didn't enjoy the movie, my heart does go out to Jeff Bauman (and all others who suffered at the hands of the terrorists) as they must have gone through unthinkable pain and I would like to think they're not as bad as they come across!

While the story could be considered cliché – we follow a man caught in the middle of a tragedy struggling with the road to recovery - this is a human story that draws you in. The intimacy of the struggles of a selfish and immature character (Gyllenhaal) somehow held together by his high octane often insensitive but bonded family made me feel oddly voyeuristic every now and then. What I did find very powerful is the emotional toll – and indeed the burden - of being celebrated as a State symbol of hope simply by virtue of having survived! The casting of the two contrasting women in his life, the quiet but indomitable on-off girlfriend (Maslany) and the hard-drinking mother (Miranda Richardson) is excellent and they will have had some acting fun playing off each other. All in all, worth an evening in!

I went to see this film twice at Cineworld and I must say it was a sad and brilliant film the actors deserve all the credit. I highly recommend this film if you haven't see it please do the struggles of man who has his whole life shattered and he has big doubts but in the end he comes throw it and just a truly outstanding film :)

Very strong drama, seen a few documentaries and films regarding the Boston bombings, but this is all from one view point, Very well acted hard to watch in parts but you did feel the real journey it went on. If it's a hard hitting true drama you want to watch you will not be disappointed.

Both the main actors are incredibly talented at their craft, and I appreciate their raw retelling in this film. However, it would have been even more impactful had the casting people chosen an actually disabled actor. I appreciate the well known faces sell, but in this instance especially it would have been far more brave and would have made even more of a statement.

Saw this on TV,but still bought it.A really good film and so realistic.What a person and so brave

Based on a true story. Hailed a hero by his city for surviving a horrific act, a story a man who fought back whilst showing the ups and downs of his recovery. Excellent acting,

acting is great - it's not not your usual cheesy or overly patriotic biopic as the film isn't afraid to show the weak, dark or annoying sides of the protagonist, which makes his strength shine even more