Wow!

Rating: 9/10 (20 January 2016)

Director Michael Bay ("Transformers") rips reality from today's headlines presenting an in your face, behind-the-scenes look at the 2012 Benghazi attack in Libya that took the lives of US Ambassador Chris Stevens (Matt Letsher "Scandal") and Sean Smith, along with the lives of other US soldiers and many Libyan rebels. "Wow" is the word the comes to mind while both experiencing and then reflecting on the film. John Krasinski ("The Office") joins his fellow soldiers (James Badge Dale, Pablo Schreiber, David Denman "Parenthood," Dominic Fumusa "Nurse Jackie," and Max Martine) and others as they are charged with protecting their compounds and rescuing Stevens. Each actor, along with the always great-to-hate character actor David Costabile ("Suits"), are excellent in their respective gritty roles, with Krasinski successfully stepping outside of his "The Office" role. Bay knows rock'm sock'm film making, and it all comes in handy here. Unfortunately, he is one of those directors who feels an up close, constantly moving camera is the best way to get his point across. Because of this style of filmmaking, much of the action is in blur. However, when he backs the camera away, allowing the audience to take in the surroundings, the result builds tension beyond belief. The "Hillary" effect isn't addressed here, so no need to beat a dead horse. Realistic writing by Chuck Hogan, and screenplay by Mitchell Zuckoff, keep the audience glued to the screen, action and storyline. From the film, and what we know from the news, something went seriously wrong in the communication in Libya, forcing our soldiers to step up and do what they do best - survive! Don't miss this one!