The 15:17 to Paris

On Thalys passenger train 9364 bound for Paris on August 21, 2015, three brave Americans intercepted a terrorist who was determined to kill as many people as possible. Their spontaneous heroism inspired Clint Eastwood not only to film their story but also to cast Spencer Stone, Alek Skarlatos, and Anthony Sadler as themselves. Airman 1st Class Stone and Oregon National Guardsman Skarlatos were vacationing in Europe with their childhood friend Sadler, who was studying for a kinesiology degree from Cal State, when a heavily armed gunman opened fire on their high-speed train. With the help of French businessman Mark Moogalian, they subdued and disarmed 22-year-old Lebanese assailant Ayoub El Khazzani (Ray Corasani). All four men subsequently received the Legion of Honor, France’s highest award, from President Francois Hollande at the Elysee Palace. Following Sully (on pilot Chesley B. Sullenberger) and American Sniper (about Navy SEAL Chris Kyle), this marks Eastwood’s third film in a row honoring ordinary people thrust into extraordinary situations. Unfortunately, there is little to the script beyond basic exposition—nothing except adolescent flashbacks—so this is basically a dramatic re-enactment of an historical event ripped from the headlines. Optional. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include the behind-the-scenes featurettes "Portrait of Courage" (13 min.) and "Making Every Second Count" (8 min.). Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are bonus DVD and digital copies of the film. Bottom line: a small extras package for a rote true thriller.] (S. Granger)