Lionsgate | Release Date: December 21, 2016
6.9
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 177 Ratings
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123
Mixed:
37
Negative:
17
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7
SteveSandbergDec 26, 2016
Saw it at the Loews Boston Common multiplex, which is probably about a leisurely 15-minute walk from the Marathon finish line. I'm happy to give it a 7 rating as a skillful, albeit conventional big-budget tribute to the heroism of the city.Saw it at the Loews Boston Common multiplex, which is probably about a leisurely 15-minute walk from the Marathon finish line. I'm happy to give it a 7 rating as a skillful, albeit conventional big-budget tribute to the heroism of the city. (Everybody loves self-compliments, after all.) In my opinion it really could have worked much more compellingly if the composite character had been dialed back. One quality of a good semi-documentary is to subordinate the actors to the story. THE LONGEST DAY did that, as did THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS, to name two that immediately come to mind. No one individual dominates those narratives. In them, only God sees everything, and is everywhere. It was counterproductive for Wahlberg's character to be omnipresent; that initial creative decision unintentionally evoked a tone of Hollywood artificiality which was the last thing the movie needed. Certainly not a fatal flaw, but a recurring annoyance. Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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9
tamcwlmmJan 4, 2018
This movie got me speechless. The film is based around the Boston Marathon bombings in 2013. The build up to the moment was very intens. You knew what was going to happen. Every character that is introduced has a purpose to furfill. The filmThis movie got me speechless. The film is based around the Boston Marathon bombings in 2013. The build up to the moment was very intens. You knew what was going to happen. Every character that is introduced has a purpose to furfill. The film centers around the victims and police that day and the toll it took on their lives. Mark Wahlberg gave his best performance yet in one of the most touching movie of 2016. Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
eagleeyevikingJan 13, 2017
Peter Berg's Patriot's Day is an intense and heartbreaking, yet delicate docudrama that recreates events of the Boston Marathon bombing while realising the sensitive nature of the tragedy as to not exploit it. It's solidly crafted byPeter Berg's Patriot's Day is an intense and heartbreaking, yet delicate docudrama that recreates events of the Boston Marathon bombing while realising the sensitive nature of the tragedy as to not exploit it. It's solidly crafted by diversifying its main characters to include heads of police, the police and the people to deliver the moral that love trumps hate. Expand
6 of 7 users found this helpful61
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7
CineAutoctonoMar 23, 2017
"Patriots Day" was an intense, dramatic, and very detailed film of the Boston marathon bombing, Mark Wahlberg and Peter Berg stood out again, after "Deepwater Horizon", although it was more vulgar than Deadpool, it is possible to emphasize"Patriots Day" was an intense, dramatic, and very detailed film of the Boston marathon bombing, Mark Wahlberg and Peter Berg stood out again, after "Deepwater Horizon", although it was more vulgar than Deadpool, it is possible to emphasize the history, The cast was very good, and the story great. Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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7
KaptenVideoJan 9, 2017
2013's the Boston Marathon Bombing the Hollywood version. First responders and investigators are racing against the clock to hunt down the sneaky muslim bombers before they strike again. It can't be watchable to anyone but American patriots,2013's the Boston Marathon Bombing the Hollywood version. First responders and investigators are racing against the clock to hunt down the sneaky muslim bombers before they strike again. It can't be watchable to anyone but American patriots, right?

Wrong. "Patriots Day" is actually a solid action thriller which seems realistic enough, even handling some more trivial details like how the bombers look like exactly. it avoids the excessive corniness and epic-ness till the last minutes and plays it like a catastrophe movie followed by exciting manhunt. The cameras are out there with us, in the middle of it all, and it still looks good. Another good example of how to handle the shaky in-your-face style of action that is often strongly disliked or even hated in movies.

The stories of the main characters are rather vague and shallow, so good that they are relegated to sidelines. Mark Wahlberg has one of the biggest roles and does his usual thing which seems really pretty interesting only for the maybe first three times you see him in movies.

You know, that humble and tender joe everyman that has a big heart but also gets **** done where it really matters. Like a action version of Adam Sandler or something.

There are some big boyz of Hollywood involved, to make the movie more solid and prestigious, including John Goodman, Kevin Bacon and underused J. K. Simmons. It's amazing how effective this kind of playaz can be to bring almost any story to life. They make serious faces, talk their serious talk and make the world a better place. Works every time. "Patriots Day" is a tight enough package already... and they make it even more watch-worthy. Seriously.

Boston Marathon bombing is good basis for a Hollywood movie. It's recent and true-life, so it can turn populist without getting too much criticism for it, and there's also creative freedom to add pretty much anything you want to a story.

So no wonder there are more movies on the horizon. "Stronger" with Jake Gyllenhaal in the lead is coming already, and there's also some project called „Boston Stronger“...

All in all, this is certainly by far the most fun I've had watching a movie directed by Peter Berg. He's always good with action and usually boring handling everything else ( The Kingdom, Hancock Movie, "Battleship", Lone Survivor and Deepwater Horizon, among others).
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2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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8
BrianMcCriticJan 14, 2017
Patriots Day was brilliantly by Peter Berg who is becoming one of our best true event film makers out there. My only negative was some comedic tonal shifts that didn't always work, but those are small moments. In the end this film will havePatriots Day was brilliantly by Peter Berg who is becoming one of our best true event film makers out there. My only negative was some comedic tonal shifts that didn't always work, but those are small moments. In the end this film will have your heart racing even though you may already know the story. A- Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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8
preciouskikiFeb 25, 2017
Very nicely done, with a good script, good production values, and excellent performances all around, particularly from Mark Wahlberg, John Goodman, Kevin Bacon, and J. K. Simmons. Much better than I thought it would be. Recommended.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
LeZeeNov 4, 2017
Terrorism has a religion and we all know which one!

One of the best films recently I have seen. It was based on the real. About the 2013 Boston marathon bombing. This film was an eye opener for me. I mean all I knew was the marathon bombing,
Terrorism has a religion and we all know which one!

One of the best films recently I have seen. It was based on the real. About the 2013 Boston marathon bombing. This film was an eye opener for me. I mean all I knew was the marathon bombing, but I came to know that was only half, the other half was even more serious events that stretched for like a week after the original event.

The best part of the film was, there were no solo heroes in this story. Everybody contributed in some way to fight against the evil. The screenplay was shared by all the great actors, even small role ones equally. I loved how it all went on, as a team from different forces, but tackled the situation by joining the hands. I don't know it was only the film, but very impressive. That's patriotism!

In the opening, you could see different people from different places of Boston preparing for the big event. And then they all end up in the same place where a series of explosion goes up. Quickly the security agencies come together and investigate it. With a small clue, kicks starts the manhunt. This is the part I loved it. Hunting pisslam pigs are always so pleasure to watch.

Suspense, thriller, the story was well paced and took forward with a wonderful ending. Awesome direction. Another hit in a single year alongside 'Deepwater Horizon'. Interesting, Wahlberg involved in both these films. I've also heard that the two screenplays was merged to make a single film. One was a drama and the other one was an action packed story. That's why it was well balanced between everything. From individual's story to together in the events. A must see film.

8.5/10
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1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
LamontRaymondDec 21, 2016
I'm a sucker for this kind of movie - loved Deep Water Horizon and Lone Survivor, so the Berg/Wahlberg true story formula obviously works. But this film treated a politically charged story with care and with class. I watched the newsI'm a sucker for this kind of movie - loved Deep Water Horizon and Lone Survivor, so the Berg/Wahlberg true story formula obviously works. But this film treated a politically charged story with care and with class. I watched the news coverage of this week or so with attention, and I still found the movie revealed a ton of great perspectives. What a heroic story - even more relevant with the Berlin terrorist attack happening just this week. These dead-enders are eventually going to realize that killing won't get them anywhere but dead. And the people of Boston clearly won out with their love. Expand
2 of 5 users found this helpful23
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9
moviemitch96Jan 14, 2017
Going into this film, I simply expected yet another well-done Peter Berg/Mark Wahlberg true story pic following Deepwater Horizon from only a few months prior and 2013's Lone Survivor. What I got instead was not only Berg and Wahlberg's bestGoing into this film, I simply expected yet another well-done Peter Berg/Mark Wahlberg true story pic following Deepwater Horizon from only a few months prior and 2013's Lone Survivor. What I got instead was not only Berg and Wahlberg's best film together yet, but also one of the most harrowing, powerful, hard to watch, yet timely and essential films of 2016! I couldn't believe how intense the film got at times and the acting from Wahlberg and everyone else involved was solid and committed. Overall, this is a must-see for those looking for inspiration and hope as the end result of one intense yet solid and memorable film! Expand
2 of 5 users found this helpful23
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9
Robbert1300Jan 14, 2017
Patriots Day based on the 2013 boston marathon boming one of the best movies of 2016 and a greatly crafted thriller handled with so much respect towards the real life events this is based on with great perfomances from everybody nobady feelsPatriots Day based on the 2013 boston marathon boming one of the best movies of 2016 and a greatly crafted thriller handled with so much respect towards the real life events this is based on with great perfomances from everybody nobady feels out of place when you watch this you quickly forget that youre whatching a movie and peter berg perfectly combinded real life footage with movie footage that you almost can't tell the diffrence if it is movie footage and it won't take you out of the movie but it might be though to watch for some people because of the amount of horrors you see like blood and the amount of suspenseful moments it has if you are that person you most likely only wanne watch it once and also you some of the little jokes might take you out of the movie a little bit and i wouldn't be surprised if it gets some oscar nominations but i don't think it won't happen because there isn't big buzz for this movie like alot of other movies had this year but i think it should get some award consideration at the oscars and maybe wins for atleast directing editing and maybe lead actor i thought that every supporting actor whas great also but they all didn't had alot of screen time so you should definitely see it if you haven't already Expand
2 of 5 users found this helpful23
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9
twall3Feb 7, 2017
With the exception of a few scenes it wasn't as non-stop stressful and gripping as I had read. For that, I'm glad. It was excellent story telling. I had no idea all the bad that these two criminals perpetrated - more than just the marathonWith the exception of a few scenes it wasn't as non-stop stressful and gripping as I had read. For that, I'm glad. It was excellent story telling. I had no idea all the bad that these two criminals perpetrated - more than just the marathon bombing. I didn't enjoy hearing the f-bomb 150 times, but I get that those with a rough job talk rough. Impressive to see how the FBI puts a team and onsite research lab together. Even more impressive was how brave and selfless police officers are. Thankful to them and all involved for being diligent in tracking down these two pathetic pieces of trash. Expand
2 of 6 users found this helpful24
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10
UNARMED_JORDFeb 21, 2017
Patriots day is a fantastic dramatization of the events involved in an excellent and emotive manner as a lot of the movie is dedicated to the depth of emotion
2 of 6 users found this helpful24
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10
TVJerryJan 24, 2017
Mark Wahlberg plays a police officer involved in the search to find the terrorists behind the Boston Marathon bombing. This is one of several POVs in this gripping drama: It also explores stories of several survivors, the law enforcementMark Wahlberg plays a police officer involved in the search to find the terrorists behind the Boston Marathon bombing. This is one of several POVs in this gripping drama: It also explores stories of several survivors, the law enforcement procedures behind the pursuit and even the activities of the criminals. Director Peter Berg depicts the horrific event with electrifying skill and maintains the tension throughout the search, which includes several potent action sequences. The continual drone in the soundtrack by Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross helps keep the pressure up. The cast is uniformly outstanding with Wahlberg exploring new emotional depths in his best screen performance yet. Not only is this a riveting, suspenseful police procedural, it takes an empowering patriotic stance that ultimately yields a moving final message. Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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9
qJan 13, 2017
"Patriots Day" draws the viewer into the lives of the key characters in the story of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, and it pulls no punches in depicting the sheer brutality and horror of the event. It occasionally incorporates actual"Patriots Day" draws the viewer into the lives of the key characters in the story of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, and it pulls no punches in depicting the sheer brutality and horror of the event. It occasionally incorporates actual surveillance video and news report footage, and the actors bear a remarkable resemblance to the individuals whose roles they depict. The passage of time often sanitizes memories of just how fearful Boston and Watertown residents felt when the suspects were on the loose and they were asked by authorities to shelter in place. The movie brilliantly reminds viewers that a virtual all-out war occurred between the suspects and the police in a quiet, densely-housed, narrow-streeted residential neighborhood in the middle of the night. It avoids getting overtly preachy, although there is some understandable rah-rah Boston depicted toward the end. The theater audience occasionally responded audibly to some scenes, and many sat in stunned silence briefly at the end. I found the movie deeply moving, and I suspect word-of-mouth will quickly cause it to draw a large audience. Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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8
BHBarryJan 8, 2017
Patriots Day” is a docudrama depicting the events that occurred in Boston at the running of its world famous marathon on April 15, 2013. The film was directed by Peter Berg who co-wrote the screenplay with Matt Cook and Joshua Zimmer.Patriots Day” is a docudrama depicting the events that occurred in Boston at the running of its world famous marathon on April 15, 2013. The film was directed by Peter Berg who co-wrote the screenplay with Matt Cook and Joshua Zimmer. Splendidly acted by Mark Wahlberg, Kevin Bacon, John Goodman and J.K. Simmons, the film tells in detail the efforts of law enforcement to track down and ultimately either capture or kill the two terrorist brothers responsible for the attack. One might wonder how a film can engender suspense and interest when its outcome is already known to most if not all of its viewers. “Sully” is a perfect example that such a feat can be accomplshed when there is enough material and good writing to make it happen. Also, like “Sully” the coda at the end of the film introduces us to the real life people who were portrayed in the film which gives glaring reality to the events depicted in it. I truly enjoyed the film, not only for the good writing and acting , but for the information imparted to the audience as law enforcement worked tirelessy and with speed to end the nightmare that befell the City of Boston. I give the film an 8 rating because, amidst the suffering and tragedy associated with the event, there is also an acknowledgment of the ability of the human spirit to survive and move forward proving once again that “’Boston Strong” was not just a phrase but a fact.. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
Compi24Jan 15, 2017
It's been nearly a quarter century since director Steven Spielberg released both "Jurassic Park" and "Schindler's List" within the same year. Since then, only a few other directors have attempted the same feat (James Wan with "The Conjuring"It's been nearly a quarter century since director Steven Spielberg released both "Jurassic Park" and "Schindler's List" within the same year. Since then, only a few other directors have attempted the same feat (James Wan with "The Conjuring" and "Insidious: Chapter 2" back in 2013, David Ayer with "Sabotage" and "Fury" in 2014, Jeff Nichols with "Midnight Special" and "Loving" in 2016, etc.) and fewer have found even an inkling of similar success in their efforts. Until now, that is. For, both "Deepwater Horizon" and - now - "Patriots' Day" remain staggeringly masterful docudramas with enough heart, respect, and intrigue to turn even the biggest skeptics (like myself) into Berg-worshippers. With this film in particular, you get an absolutely fantastic sense of just how brave Berg can be in handling certain subjects - especially ones that are more than just fresh in everyone's heads. "Patriots' Day" stares directly into the abyss that is the 2013 Boston Marathon attack and doesn't flinch at all. It depicts the event in all its unrelenting ugliness and brutality, whilst still staying far enough away from the realms of exploitation and bombast to convince you that this movie simply needed to happen. It weaves universally-appealing themes of community, love, and perseverance into a superbly structured narrative that is as all-encompassing in terms of perspective as it is in scale and time. This is, all at once, a pulse-pounding thriller that showcases the valiant efforts of the authorities involved, an inspiring tear-jerker about how a community can learn to heal in the face of such tremendous adversity, and a chilling cautionary tale about the dangers of extremist thinking and indoctrination of any form. It's one of the best of its kind and I cannot recommend it enough. Peter Berg. Thank you kindly, sir. Expand
0 of 4 users found this helpful04
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8
Mary805Jan 17, 2017
This movie really brought me back to the marathon bombing and the search for the terrorist. Its focus is centered on the search and less on the victims and you feel as though you are right there with the police and FBI as they search forThis movie really brought me back to the marathon bombing and the search for the terrorist. Its focus is centered on the search and less on the victims and you feel as though you are right there with the police and FBI as they search for clues. The movie made me fall in love with the people of Boston, their strength and determination made the terrorist evil and small. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
jgzegerMar 30, 2018
A powerful, well-directed and well-acted movie that has nary a flaw. I found it gripping.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
iCronicAug 9, 2017
The First 20 minutes are throwaway material. The Film has some weird scenes but it's also an engaging chase and they did a great job mixing the original footage in
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8
badgerryan19May 19, 2017
Great film that could be nominated for best picture. This movie shows that you don't need to wait 10-20 years to make a movie out of a tragedy. Even though the film is an extremely touchy subject it does a very good job by doing everything inGreat film that could be nominated for best picture. This movie shows that you don't need to wait 10-20 years to make a movie out of a tragedy. Even though the film is an extremely touchy subject it does a very good job by doing everything in an effective way. The movie was extremely intense and your eyes are glued to the screen the entire time. With Peter Berg's Deepwater Horizon's huge success I was excited to see this one. Peter has crafted a very good film by paying respect and never overstepping it's boundaries. Mark Wahlberg does a tremendous performance and is perfect for the role being he was born around Boston. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
Jess_HillFeb 3, 2017
Given the tenor of American politics presently, I was dubious about this jaw-tighteningly named film starring Marky Mark. Thankfully, this meant that I was able to be proved too much of a cynic for what is a surprisingly subtle and sensitiveGiven the tenor of American politics presently, I was dubious about this jaw-tighteningly named film starring Marky Mark. Thankfully, this meant that I was able to be proved too much of a cynic for what is a surprisingly subtle and sensitive film, given the subject matter. The performances are good, the pacing is tight and the storyline strikes a careful balance between inflating drama and remaining realistic. This film is careful not to revel in violence and respectfully covers the events of the tragedy without wallowing in patriotic sentiment or righteous anger. A solid film that is an honest and well considered portrayal of a tragic event. 7.68/10 Expand
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9
Dragonfly44Oct 23, 2020
It does have a few issues but Patriots Day is a well crafted and extremely emotional movie. I loved it. 90/100
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7
DaddyO3Feb 14, 2018
Pretty good movie. I think another actor may have done a better job than Mark W with this one. Regarding the content, having been standing where the first bomb went off 7 minutes before hand (walking, 1.5 blocks away when it went off), thePretty good movie. I think another actor may have done a better job than Mark W with this one. Regarding the content, having been standing where the first bomb went off 7 minutes before hand (walking, 1.5 blocks away when it went off), the movie didn't touch on any of the chaos near the finish line, downtown, family meeting area. Nobody knew where to go and sirens/vehicles were going off in all directions. I would like to say the locals and small shop owners in the downtown of Boston were so kind/wonderful to the exhausted runners and their family/support who where there and didn't know where to go (no transportation available, cell/data networks down). Expand
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8
MiniMovieManiacFeb 6, 2019
Wahlberg gives a very heartfelt performance that really lets you see how these officers were effected by this event and how much they had to go through while this manhunt was going on. The conflict in the story comes into play when the FBIWahlberg gives a very heartfelt performance that really lets you see how these officers were effected by this event and how much they had to go through while this manhunt was going on. The conflict in the story comes into play when the FBI comes to Boston and there seems to be a battle over jurisdiction. The Boston police are conducting their own investigation but since it was thought to be terrorism the FBI feels it is now under their jurisdiction. Throughout the movie you see the two sides working their own ways. The Boston police are out on the streets trying to find leads in order to find the terrorists. All the actors who are playing roles on both sides do an amazing portraying how important it was to everybody that these terrorists be caught. J.K. Simmons is also in this movie and he does a great supporting role in being a small comic relief because this movie does have a lot of emotional weight to it. J.K. Simmons character gives you a few seconds to breathe and that really benefits the movie. The way the movie benefits is that the movie could’ve been too caught up in the emotion that the movie would be very hard to get through. Next, the two actors who played the terrorists did a very good job, particularly the one playing the younger brother. He showed the other side of the two that really wasn’t sure if what they were doing was right. Lastly, the acting in this movie is very good and every actor gives a emotional and deep performance. This is one of, if not the best, performance Mark Wahlberg has given since The Fighter. Wahlberg does an amazing job of really showing the human side of the all the officers who were there to respond to the bombings. I’m hoping to see Oscar talks for his performance because he deserves it.

All in all Patriots Day is one of the best Mark Wahlberg performances I have ever seen and deserves Oscar consideration for this role. But truly what this movie is about is people coming together ad working towards a goal. Because when they finally catch the terrorists it is because the FBI and Boston Police are finally working together and as a result they catch the men responsible. Also, be ready to shed a tear during this movie because the emotion from the actors just resonates so much that you can’t help but feel emotional with them because you feel the weight of the events during the movie.
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7
geewahJan 9, 2021
Even though the hero in this is a made up character and it does takes away from telling of a real life event, it's decent enough in portraying a city in grief.
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