The Hours

Rating: Null/10 (16 June 2017)

Six security guards struggle to protect the American Ambassador to Libya when his compound is attacked in this true story action thriller. '13 Hours' gets off to a strong start with the latest security recruit's car stopped by local militants in an intense, tone setting scene. As the film subsequently introduces each character in depth, '13 Hours' exhibits all the promise of a war movie with a difference. As soon the compound attack occurs though, this potential goes out the window with gunfire and explosions so rapid and nonstop that it is easy to lose track of what is happening. The action does pause at one point with one security guard ruefully stating that "downtime is the worst" since it forces you to think about your loved ones and contemplate whether you are fighting for a country you care nothing about - but such thoughtful dialogue exchanges are sadly few and far between with the explosive action resuming shortly afterwards. The action sequences are at least well crafted and Dion Beebe does a great job allowing most of the action to be visible despite nighttime conditions. It is also hard to resent the film's Best Sound Oscar nomination even if campaign violations may have led to the nomination. Overall, this is a decent movie and if not a total success, it is a refreshing attempt from Michael Bay to add some meat to the high octane action stuff he is best known for.