Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tense, exhausting story of 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
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Why Age 17+?
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Patriots Day
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 22 kid reviews
Kids say the film is a powerful portrayal of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, praised for its realistic depiction of events and strong performances, but criticized for its excessive violence and strong language, making it inappropriate for younger audiences. Many reviewers agree that while it is compelling and educational, it is best suited for mature viewers, particularly those aged 15 and older.
- realistic events
- excessive violence
- strong language
- mature themes
- impactful storytelling
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In PATRIOTS DAY, is April 15, 2013 -- the day of the Boston Marathon. Police Sgt. Tommy Saunders (Mark Wahlberg) is assigned to patrol the finish line. He complains but tries to do his job well. An enthusiastic crowd is gathered, when suddenly two explosions disrupt the race, and the police spring into action. The wounded are taken to hospitals, and FBI special agent Rick DesLauriers (Kevin Bacon) arrives, declaring the bombing an act of terrorism. A command center is set up, and video surveillance is scrutinized until two suspects are found on the tapes. Then the manhunt begins, the biggest clue coming when the culprits steal a Mercedes, and the car's owner escapes and calls the police. After a showdown in Watertown and a citywide lockdown, the city of Boston shows that it won't let hate stand in the way of love.
Is It Any Good?
For this tense real-life drama, director Peter Berg weaves a wide, vivid tapestry of Boston; it's an admirable feat, but his unrefined techniques grow exhausting after a long 130 minutes. Written by Berg, along with Matt Cook and Joshua Zetumer, Patriots Day appears exhaustively researched, drawing on actual stories and events, though somehow making room for a star turn by Wahlberg (His character suffers from a bad knee and has been put on probation; he's exhausted and has seen too much, but keeps going.)
Berg puts it all together, finding the pulse of a city and showing extraordinary moments from ordinary citizens, giving the movie a strong sense of color and community. Yet the nauseating use of hand-held cameras, as well as a kind of constant, droning/thrumming musical score, tends to induce a jittery, squirmy quality rather than genuine suspense. (A documentary might have been better.) It's awfully draining, but the message at the end of the day is that community is powerful and love is stronger than hate; for that, it's worth seeing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Patriots Day's violence. Is it used to shock? To create empathy? Is it realistic? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Does Sgt. Saunders' speech about love vs. hate make sense? Does the movie effectively illustrate how love conquers hate?
How do the characters demonstrate courage and perseverance? Why are those important character strengths?
How accurate do you think the movie is? Why might filmmakers might change the facts in movies based on true stories? Does it make you want to do more research?
How often do characters drink and smoke in the movie? Do they do it for pleasure? Because of anxiety? Does they make smoking and drinking seem appealing?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 21, 2016
- On DVD or streaming : March 28, 2017
- Cast : Mark Wahlberg , J.K. Simmons , Kevin Bacon , Michelle Monaghan , John Goodman
- Director : Peter Berg
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance
- Run time : 130 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence, realistically graphic injury images, language throughout and some drug use
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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