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Michael Bay is diverting his attention from robot cars and over-sized turtles to a very serious topic: the attack on an American diplomatic compound in Benghazi on the 11th anniversary of 9/11. Immediately, the first question that comes to mind is whether or not Bay can find the proper tone to balance the film’s action and dramatic elements. Yes, we all know Bay can handle action (albeit to an over-the-top, extreme level), but can he truly show emotional/psychological subtlety?
Thankfully, there’s an actual sense of suspense in this first Red Band trailer for 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, alongside the multitude of explosions we’ve come to express from a Bay film. However, there’s too much reliance on the trailer’s score and silent shots of John Krasinski (The Office) looking sullen and morose to accentuate the trailer’s emotional tone; it just feels too superficial. However, given this is our first look at the film, I’ll wait until its release to pass true judgment. The cast also stars James Badge Dale (24), Pablo Schreiber (Orange is the New Black), Toby Stephens (Black Sails), Max Martini (Sabotage), and a reunion between Krasinski and David Denham (The Office‘s Roy).
13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi will be in theaters on January 15, 2016.