Review of American Sniper (2014) by Kj B — 29 Jun 2015
Clint Eastwood's American Sniper has been accused of blind patriotism by many of its detractors, and in a sense, they're not wrong.
But it comes across as natural, rather than forced, as Bradley Coopers performance as the late Chris Kyle convinces us of the war veteran's own intense nationalism. The film doesn't seem to be pandering to the so-called "'murica" crowd as much as other films in recent memory. (I'm looking at you, Fury.) Kyle shows at least a little remorse for the atrocities he's had to commit, rather than the pride and glee Brad Pitt's character seems to exhibit slaughtering surrendering enemy officers in the aforementioned "smart" war movie.
As a film, American Sniper is beautifully performed and expertly directed. The action scenes only briefly resemble the over-the-top mind-numbing filler of a typical American blockbuster. The ending of the film plays less emotionally than was intended, and seems abrupt, but it does little to lessen the impact of Eastwood's masterful storytelling.
This review of American Sniper (2014) was written by Kj B on 29 Jun 2015.
American Sniper has generally received positive reviews.
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