The 15:17 to Paris Blu-ray + Screen Caps

THE MOVIE — 1.0/5

Plot Synopsis: In the early evening of August 21, 2015, the world watched in stunned silence as the media reported a thwarted terrorist attack on Thalys train bound for Paris, an attempt prevented by three courageous young Americans traveling through Europe. The film follows the course of the friends’ lives, from the struggles of childhood through finding their footing in life, to the series of unlikely events leading up to the attack. Throughout the harrowing ordeal, their friendship never wavers, making it their greatest weapon and allowing them to save the lives of the more than 500 passengers on board.

Quick Hit Review: Clint Eastwood has of course proven himself to be a great filmmaker, even his lesser efforts like J. Edgar and Hereafter were at least competently made even if the final product were less than impressive. The 15:17 to Paris, however, was an utter failure through and through. In theory, casting the real Americans who took down the terrorist was interesting, but it goes to show, you can never undervalue the talent of actual actors. As much as of bad asses Anthony Sadler, Alek Skarlatos and Spencer Stone were, they sure as hell couldn’t act and that is a fatal flaw carried over to thinly written characters (even playing themselves, they felt out of sorts), but not helping matters is a poorly written script and pacing that was utterly slow leading to just a dull movie.

The actual central story, you know “The 15:17 to Paris” train? Probably comprises maybe 20-minutes of the 88-minute running time (sans credits). The remaining time is filled with some backstory from their childhoods, Stone’s attempts to join the military and a bit of Skarlatos’ time serving in Afghanistan before they, along with Sadler, trape across Europe in what must’ve been a fun excursion for the crew.

I like Clint Eastwood and at the age 87, he’s still going strong, but The 15:17 to Paris was a major misstep telling what could’ve been a great story, but should’ve gone with professional actors to at least make this drama-thriller even halfway watchable, instead I really can’t think of one good reason to even bother. I can only hope there’s a documentary on the horizon, that would be a good way to learn more instead of this…

SPECIAL FEATURES – 2.0/5

This release comes with a matted slip cover, inside is a redemption code for the Digital HD copy as well the standard definition DVD Copy.

The 15:17 to Paris: Making Every Second Count (8:11; HD) is a behind-the-scenes featurette with interviews from the three men recounting the event.

The 15:17 to Paris: Portrait of Courage (12:27; HD) looks at Clint Eastwood and the crew reveal the aspects of the story that moved them and why they cast the three to play themselves.

Previews – 12 Strong, Tomb Raider

VIDEO – 3.5/5

AUDIO – 4.0/5

OVERALL – 1.5/5

The 15:17 to Paris is easily one of the worst movies of not only this year, but the past few years, and just a complete misfire for the usually great Clint Eastwood. While casting the real life heroes as themselves was a mistake, there were numerous other issues at play. Just skip this turkey.