Jack, where are you when we need you?

Rating: 9/10 (26 January 2003)

Yes, the story is well-known and conventionally told. The direction of "Thirteen Days" is no better than what you'd find in a movie made for Lifetime TV. But I'm giving this film a "9" because of Bruce Greenwood. John F. Kennedy has been portrayed -- on stage, TV and movies -- by many many actors. No one until Bruce Greenwood has gotten him right. Greenwood's performance embodies why JFK still has such a hold on America's heart. And it has nothing to do with charisma, the Peace Corps, the Alliance for Progress, the space race, the Missile Crisis, or sex. It has to do with the enormous decency and empathy of the man. Not only was he smarter and more courageous than others we have had since, he was more understanding of the hurts, doubts, and longings of other people on this planet. To not use force when force is all on your side -- that is the true hero. And hooray for the great actor Bruce Greenwood for reminding us of that.