Stronger Movie Review

Stronger (2017)

Rent Stronger on Amazon Video
Written by: John Pollono (screenplay by), Jeff Bauman and Bret Witter (based on the book "Stronger" by)
Directed by: David Gordon Green
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Tatiana Maslany, Miranda Richardson, Clancy Brown
Rated: R
Watch the trailer

Plot
Jeff Bauman captured the hearts of the world to become a symbol of hope after surviving the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.

Verdict
This is an actor showcase. Gyllenhaal does a great job expressing a range of emotions as the movie depicts how his character copes with tragedy and how it affects many lives. While he was the one injured, he isn't the only one grieving.
This is a glimpse of what it takes to overcome. Tiny moments can build into something much bigger, leading to an outburst where everyone is upset.
Watch it.

Review
It's always a treat to watch Gyllenhaal. He becomes completely different people in his roles, from his mannerisms to the way he carries himself. Looking at Prisoners and Nightcrawler, it's like he can transform.

Gyllenhaal is Jeff. He works at Costco, lives with his mom, loves the Red Sox, and wants to get back with his ex. We know what this movie is about and it doesn't take long to get into it. Jeff is cheering on his ex at the Boston Marathon in hopes they get back together.
He's critically injured in the blast, but helps identify the bomber after coming out of a coma. Jeff tries to find a new normal. He wants to do everything on his own, and that's not always possible after the tragedy.

There is a lot of CGI, and I have to wonder how some if was staged. It's impressive.

You completely feel his struggle. We see his emotions and pieces of flashbacks, but his girlfriend also generates empathy. She feels guilty as he was there for her. She decides to help him, quitting her job.
Then you have his mom who likes the fame. Of course the mom doesn't like the girlfriend, seemingly because she is upper middle class. Jeff doesn't do much about his mom, but he's just trying to deal. He can't see past his own struggles and doesn't fully realize the sacrifices his girlfriend is making.

This does get gruesome when Jeff fully recalls what happened and the movie is graphic in its depiction. Jeff and his family don't realize what the other is going through. His girlfriend is one of the few that can see both sides. All of those moments build. While major sports teams invite him to games, is it for good PR or is it because he's a symbol of hope?