

Title: American Sniper

MPAA Rating: R

Director: Clint Eastwood

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Luke Grimes

Runtime: 2 hrs 14 mins



What It Is: The harrowing story of Chris Kyle (Cooper) the most lethal sniper in U.S. history. We get to experience the reasons he joined the Navy SEALS, and a look into the horrors of the war raging on in the Middle East. His struggles both on and off the battle field with tose events, and with his own family. A family he leaves for four tours overseas. His wife Taya (Miller) has to raise their kids by herself while he goes out and saves the lives of the Marines that go in to dangerous areas of Iraq during the first half of the 00’s.

What We Think: Eastwood has never been shy about his political affiliations, and I believe that that bled into the manner in which he shot this. We don’t get to really know Kyle outside of his SEALS brotherhood which is as close as we get to fleshing out any of these interchangable brothers of his. Even Kyle himself feels too…perfect. We catch a glimpse of the mans flaws but it seems thaty just like his wife he won’t let the audiene in either. If you don’t know the message Eastwood is trying to convey look no further then a gratuitous scene in an auto shop in which we just HAVE to see a vet thank Kyle for his service. He deserve more respect then to pander as such. It’s hero worship at it’s most perverse.

Our Grade: B-, While this is surely a good film it’s hurt by a directors narrow vision. Granted that director executes beyond the scope of his intent, but it’s nonetheless shallow. Cooper is excellent as Kyle in a role he will surely look to lock up a nomination with. On the contrary Sienna Miller is just terrible, and flat, and did I mention terrible. If you enjoy war flicks American Sniper is one to check out, if your on the fence I say still see it but be warned you will be delivered a message loud and clear with this one!