There is so much irrelevance in this movie - or 'fillers' as other have termed it - that my expectations of watching another excellent Clint Eastwood offering were gradually disappointed as one banal, poorly scripted and weakly acted 'plot development' came and went.
The scene between mothers and teacher who insisted that the use of pharmaceuticals was the only way to improve their sons' learning habits was ridiculous beyond words. Overall, far too much time was spent on the school days of the future heroes on the 15.17 train to Paris.
Once out of school the film then veered towards telling the story of only one of the protagonists. Then followed the most trite scenes of all as the three main characters holidayed in Europe. The dialogue was cringe worthy. Character development basically non-existent. With little more than 15 minutes of this already shortened movie to go, I was confounded as to why the title of the film has scant relevance to the plot. And then an awards ceremony....finish of movie!
Yes, the use of the actual participants in the terrorist drama was probably a mistake. But that's not the main issue with me. The script was mediocre, the direction and plotting of the film were both well below the standard one would expect from such an accomplished film maker as Eastwood.
I note that the majority of reviews here well and truly give this a thumbs down rating and this movie deserves such a critique. For those who have viewed this movie through rose-coloured glasses, using an emotive appeal to patriotism, religion and the American way, surely a logical appreciation should trump all. This is a very weak movie.
The scene between mothers and teacher who insisted that the use of pharmaceuticals was the only way to improve their sons' learning habits was ridiculous beyond words. Overall, far too much time was spent on the school days of the future heroes on the 15.17 train to Paris.
Once out of school the film then veered towards telling the story of only one of the protagonists. Then followed the most trite scenes of all as the three main characters holidayed in Europe. The dialogue was cringe worthy. Character development basically non-existent. With little more than 15 minutes of this already shortened movie to go, I was confounded as to why the title of the film has scant relevance to the plot. And then an awards ceremony....finish of movie!
Yes, the use of the actual participants in the terrorist drama was probably a mistake. But that's not the main issue with me. The script was mediocre, the direction and plotting of the film were both well below the standard one would expect from such an accomplished film maker as Eastwood.
I note that the majority of reviews here well and truly give this a thumbs down rating and this movie deserves such a critique. For those who have viewed this movie through rose-coloured glasses, using an emotive appeal to patriotism, religion and the American way, surely a logical appreciation should trump all. This is a very weak movie.