Stronger

Filmmaker David Gordon Green's Stronger tells the inspiring true story of 28-year-old Jeff Bauman (Jake Gyllenhaal), who lost both legs in the infamous 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. Bauman wasn't running that April day, but was a spectator, waiting at the finish line for his ex-girlfriend, Erin Hurley (Tatiana Maslany). The couple had broken up and he was hoping they would get back together. Unfortunately, he happened to be standing right next to where one of the terrorists had planted a pressure-cooker bomb, which blew off both his legs at the knee. Both Bauman and his rescuer, Carlos Arredondo (Carlos Sanz), become “Boston Strong” symbols, thrust into the media spotlight. Learning that her son is a double-amputee, Bauman's overprotective mother Patty (Miranda Richardson) is devastated, turning to cigarettes and booze, while his father (Clancy Brown), uncle (Lenny Clarke), and the rest of his family yell, curse, and trade insults with one another. Although Bauman vows to walk again during the ensuing months of agonizing rehabilitation, he is also forced to deal with seemingly insurmountable mental and physical hurdles, many because of his new fame: “I'm a hero for standing there and getting my legs blown off?” Based on the titular 2014 memoir by Jeff Bauman and Brett Witter, this moving biopic is recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include a “Faith, Hope & Love: Becoming Stronger” behind-the-scenes featurette (30 min.). Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are bonus digital and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a decent extras package for a solid biopic.] (S. Granger)