Kenny O’Donnell (Kevin Costner) and John F. Kennedy (Bruce Greenwood) star in the newest political thriller, Thirteen Days. In it, spectators witness the trials of the Kennedy presidency through the eyes of O’Donnell, chief presidential advisor to Kennedy.

But chaos hits hard when their administration learns of the secret proceedings of the Soviet Union. In turn, for thirteen days, the events of the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 plays out its near entirety-focused and dramatized for our viewing entertainment.

As the officials deliberate about the lack of cooperation on the Russian side, viewers of the film are led through the path of a nation in distress.

If you are searching for a film to help on the upcoming history finals, this is the one to see. It surprisingly portrays a similar comparison to the real events that nearly and probably would have led to one of the biggest catastrophes in American history if it were not for the actions by this particular administration.

The film has some extremely strong aspects, such as the story line and the acting. However, it does not keep the edge of the theater seat occupied.

Instead, the viewer is propelled to wait patiently for the film’s interpretation of this historical event. Accordingly, the film does not fulfill its image as a historic thriller as its publicity and promotions suggest.

Despite that, the film does include a few interesting action concepts. While flying over Cuba on a secret mission to photograph the evidence of Russian nuclear missiles, the jets add some impressive audio effects and recapture a spark of an action movie. However, it is no Top Gun. The action ends soon after, and the viewer is taken back into the Oval Office.

Once again, the film continues to provide another taste of the deliberation and personal conflicts that Kennedy faces. In order to stay above water as the captain of a sinking ship once threatened by the Russians, Kennedy turns to his many advisors, particularly O’Donnell.

Naturally, Costner’s performance is obviously one of the strongest aspects of the movie. After overcoming his abrupt, harsh and unsuccessful attempt at acquiring an Eastern accent, the rest of his responsibility as a co-star is, for the most part, fulfilled.

He nails his character as chief advisor to the president. In the most demanding aspect of this role as Kennedy’s confident, Costner does not overstep his boundaries and upstage Greenwood’s character.

More importantly, as the main character, Greenwood’s addition to the cast of Thirteen Days certainly adds to the overall effect of the film. Greenwood single-handedly overcomes monotonous and overdone attempts at portraying the Kennedy legend.

His performance flies far beyond all the previous attempts recreating one of the nation’s most mysterious political figures. Greenwood’s charm and close appearance to the real J.F.K. are surprisingly believable.

To that end, the Cuban Missile Crisis was certainly one of the essential events in the recent history of the United States. Through O’Donnell’s eyes, one can easily see the instantaneous reverberations of the stand-off between the Soviet Union and America. Costner’s and Greenwood’s performances make this film worth viewing (at home) for the informative thrills of the key events leading up to the end of the Cuban Missile Crisis. B+