This forensic account of the invasion and defence of a U.S. outpost in Libya is recorded with frenetic energy. Krasinski and Schreiber lead the charge, their comedic talent pointing out the absurdities of the situation without breaking the charged atmosphere.

Whilst the firepower on show could successfully invade a small country, the firefights are handled with relative restraint. The downtimes between attacks provide some of the high points of the film, the settling dust allowing investigation and introspection.

Yes, it’s still patriotic explosions but Michael Bay has matured, Benghazi showing a more nuanced and balanced perspective from the bombastic director.

The plot boils down to little more than a tower defence game, and 13 Hours is longer than needed, but Hoorah! Michael Bay has got his Hooyah back. 

RATING: 4/5

INFORMATION

CAST: John Krasinski, Pablo Schreiber, James Badge Dale, David Denman, Dominic Fumusa

DIRECTOR: Michael Bay

WRITERS:  Chuck Hogan, Mitchell Zuckoff

SYNOPSIS: An American ambassador is killed during an attack at a U.S. compound in Libya as a security team struggles to make sense out of the chaos.