The opening shot of the movie, an atom bomb exploding, sends the message of the movie loud and clear to the viewer. The aggressive opening resonates loudly throughout the picture, thanks to a great script, a stellar cast and an intelligent director in Roger Donaldson (No Way Out).. Based on the bestseller "The Kennedy Tapes", the film places the emphasis on crisp dialogue rather than cheap thrills. Most thrillers use great dialogue as a precursor to flying bullets, but Thirteen Days keeps its itchy finger on the trigger, simultaenously keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
The occasional burst of action provide a welcome relief from the claustrophobia of the White House scenes, but do not undermine the punch delivered by the White House showdowns. Billed as Kevin Costner's comeback movie, this not a star vehicle, his role as Kennedy's aide, Kenny O'Donnell is not a showy role.
His performance in this film as the man burdened with a terrible secret, is played with a subtle hand. His Bostonian accent takes a little getting used to, but is not the worst accent he has attempted, and manages it quite well. The film is an ensemble piece with powerhouse performances from Costner, Greenwood (JFK) and Robert Culp (RFK), who has an uncanny resemblance to the real Robert Kennedy.
The fact you know what happens at end doesn't detract from the movie's suspense, and that is the hallmark of a well-crafted film. This could have easily been a boring two-and-half hour history lesson, instead we are treated to a gripping thriller that engages the brain in high gear and never lets you off the hook. Tense stuff. You'd kick yourself for missing it.
My Rating: 9/10 |
