13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi
Starring John Krasinski, James Badge Dale
Directed by Michael Bay
Don’t expect any transforming Predator drones in Michael Bay’s latest adrenaline-fueled spectacle; in fact, one of Hollywood’s most divisive directors tackles a gripping true story, resulting in perhaps his most earnest and surprisingly mature movie to date. That being said, 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi is not without its bombastic, explosion-filled ‘Bayhem.’
The Office star John Krasinski, bulked up and shedding any trace of his dorky TV character persona, leads an elite group of CIA-hired American commandos who faced overwhelming odds and fought to protect a US diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya after it was attacked by terrorists in 2012. An effective cast helps infuse the story with plenty of machismo thanks to a scene-stealing James Badge Dale, BC born Pablo Schreiber, and tough guy Max Martini. Breaking Bad’s David Costabile is a hoot to watch as the button-down boss who spouts amusing quips like “We have no jurisdiction in this country!”
The Benghazi siege has become a hot button issue in subsequent years but Bay wisely stays away from any political mire in favour of gripping action sequences. Naturally, by the third act, the violence becomes repetitive and the film’s patriotic plot borders on jingoistic at times.
The movie won’t win any screenplay awards but Bay knows where to put the camera. Several stunning aerial shots add some breathtaking scope, a welcome change from the often claustrophobic action. 13 Hours is as subtle as a blow to the head but it packs one hell of a punch.
