13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 51%
Michael Bay's Action-Packed Film Falls Short of Expectations
In 2016, director Michael Bay brought the true story of the 2012 Benghazi attack to the big screen with 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi. The film, starring John Krasinski, James Badge Dale, and Pablo Schreiber, follows the harrowing events of September 11, 2012, when a group of CIA contractors fought to protect American lives from a terrorist attack in Libya.
Critical Reception
Despite its promising premise, 13 Hours received mixed reviews from critics, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 51%. Many critics praised the film's intense action sequences and the performances of its cast, but others criticized its lack of character development, confusing plot, and Bay's signature bombastic direction.
Positive Reviews
- Peter Travers, Rolling Stone: "Bay's direction is propulsive, the action is intense, and the cast is strong... 13 Hours is a visceral, pulse-pounding thriller."
- Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle: "The film is well-made, with a strong sense of place and a good sense of tension and suspense."
Negative Reviews
- A.O. Scott, The New York Times: "The movie is a mess, but it's a fascinating mess, like a car crash that you can't look away from."
- David Ehrlich, Time Out: "Bay's filmmaking style is a perfect fit for the subject matter, but it's a shallow and overly simplistic interpretation of a complex event."
Commercial Performance
Despite its mixed reception, 13 Hours performed reasonably well at the box office, grossing over $69 million worldwide on a budget of $50 million. However, it was still considered a commercial disappointment compared to Bay's previous films.
Conclusion
While 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi has its intense moments and strong performances, it ultimately falls short of its potential due to its poor character development and confusing plot. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 51%, it's clear that critics were divided on the film's merits. Nevertheless, it remains a thought-provoking and action-packed thriller that's worth watching for fans of the genre.
