Stronger

The only thing I kept thinking of was how terrible the film made Erin's character out to be considering there was no proper balance in their arch as a couple. That is not the actors fault. It's the script. The direction was great, editing was fine but the script was just a little undercooked.

A lackluster retail employee and irresponsible boyfriend has the misfortune of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Then his family drink, swear, and fight. As per virtually every movie set in working class Boston. Only this one is based on truth, so I guess it is what it is. Are there no more God-fearing blue collar people?

Gyllenhaal is great, as usual. So is the unknown Canadian playing his girlfriend. Not much of a plot. Just a poor nobody recovering from misfortune, surrounded by low life people. Enjoy.

Gyllenhaal always gives 110% to any role. He nails the Boston accent, and also shows the anger and frustration of the rehabilitation journey, along with how he reconciles with his ex girlfriend. Gyllenhaal not only is a phenomenal actor here, but his comedy shines through too. He does has chemistry with actress Tatiana Maslany.

My big issue is that the characters who portray Jeff's family are all stooges, and they are just loud and unhelpful throughout. Jeff's mom especially is a piece of work and a lot of her one liners are crass. The one credible side character was Jeff's Costco manager, who doesn't have much screen time.

I think what would have made the movie better is showing more of Jeff's anxiety of becoming a father, how he returned back to work, and how he came to terms with PTSD. While this biopic did cover a lot of ground, i admit it was repetitious and uninspiring.

This flopped at the box office, so take your pick. I think it's worth watching this just to see Gyllenhaal's acting range.

The subject matter of this is heartbreaking at times and inspiring at other times - it follows a man who lost his legs in the Boston Marathon bombing - the aftermath, his recovery, and the public perception of it and our societal need to have heroes and how this man copes with that. It was interesting in many ways, but for such an intense story, it often lacked intensity and momentum. I also never fully understood the depth of the relationship between the main character and his girlfriend. The feelings and motivation there felt unclear at times.

It feels strange to point out the flaws in a movie like Stronger. The true story is an inspiring one, and Jake Gyllenhaal's performance is powerful, but this film drags. The moments of greatness are watered down by predictable character arcs and repetitive plot points to the point where the movie becomes just mediocre. Yup. Now I feel like a jerk for not liking it more.