Based on a truly awesome act of selfless heroism. You just can't say enough. Consider all of the lives that would have likely ended in horror. Meditate in gratitude on all of the families who are not grieving. Think about all the far less brave kind deeds you and I cower away from on a daily basis. Perhaps this film can dare us to be even a tad braver, a bit more aware of our surroundings and the needs of others. For these reasons the film deserves respect, and because these same three young men are also credited as writers of the book upon which the film is based. Further, they star as themselves for most of the film. As heroes they're awesome, as performers they aren't terrible, and one of them is even good. (In the first third, child actors play their younger selves.)

However, as a feature the film, the production is rickety, blankly straight-forward, and somewhat distant. It tells the story, but fails to heartily engage – save for the big moment. It's not awful, and I'm glad I saw it, and you do get a sense of these people, but we never dig deep into them, save for the moment of truth. While, I realize that this is the story of the three heroes, and I'm glad to know it – as a film, I would have liked to have the backstories of the others involved. Two other train goers intervened and one was shot in the neck. What were their stories? And even the shooter, what was his back story? But again, while Hollywood is swamped with fictional superheroes, I'm awed by the bravery and abilities of these young men to have literally "Saved the Day."

-- Books by Author/Illustrator Ross Anthony --