Biopic of Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper), the most-celebrated sniper in American military history. In the aftermath of 9/11, Kyle decides to serve his country by becoming a Navy SEAL. But with each tour of duty, he grows more detached from his wife and children. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi
Director: Clint Eastwood
Cast: Bradley Cooper, Luke Grimes, Sienna Miller, Kyle
Gallner, Ben Reed
Release Date: Jan
16, 2015
Rated R for some Sexual References, Language Throughout
and Strong Disturbing War Violence
Runtime: 2 hr. 12 min.
Genres: Action/Adventure, Drama
Review:
American Sniper is an interesting film that manages to be straightforward
but complicated at the same time.
Eastwood doesn’t really give us much of a point of view on the Iraq War;
he’s more interested in the personal story of Chris Kyle which is refreshing
since it could have easily devolved into a jingoistic anthem. Eastwood’s film alternates between the war
and Kyle’s home life but it’s clear that Eastwood is far more comfortable with the
war portion of the story. He delivers
some impressive battle sequences with the final one being the most impressive
and tense of the entire film. At the
heart of the film is Bradley Cooper who does fine work embodying Chris Kyle and
chartering his growing internal struggle as his military career wears on. Cooper is reserved and understated throughout
but he captures the intensity and drive that ran through Kyle’s life. Even though it’s a biopic the film does seem
to focus on Kyle almost exclusively which means that doesn’t get a good feel
for his friends or even his wife whose under characterized. It doesn’t help that she’s played by Sienna
Miller who’s not nearly a strong enough actress to believably deliver the
emotional moments required. Some creative
choices also left me scratching my head, such as the villainous enemy sniper
which was always within earshot of Kyle, regardless of which tour of duty he
was on. Even with its faults, the film
does a fine job of honoring Chris Kyle’s memory and legacy.
B-
