John Boyega plays a veteran who becomes desperate after Veteran’s Affairs denies his claim. To get attention (and his money) he enters a bank with threats to blow up himself and the employees. This is basically a one-man show featuring Boyega. Although there are other characters, the majority of the time is spent on his close-up. His depth and dignity help elicit sympathy, but the tension never rises above a continual hum in the background and the pace lags too often. While the charactere’s plight is certainly noteworthy (it’s based on a real Marine), this film tries too hard to convey its message and lacks the directorial thrust to make it as effective as it deserves to be, considering the subject. 
(3 / 5)
