Movie Review: American Sniper

American Sniper
Directed By: Clint Eastwood
Rating: R (for strong and disturbing war violence, and language throughout including some sexual references)
Runtime: 2 hr. 14 min.
Cast: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Luke Grimes, Ben Reed
Plot: From director Clint Eastwood comes "American Sniper," starring Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history. But there was much more to this true American hero than his skill with a rifle. U.S. Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle is sent to Iraq with only one mission: to protect his brothers-in-arms. His pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield and, as stories of his courageous exploits spread, he earns the nickname "Legend." However, his reputation is also growing behind enemy lines, putting a price on his head and making him a prime target of insurgents. Despite the danger, as well as the toll on his family at home, Chris serves through four harrowing tours of duty in Iraq, becoming emblematic of the SEAL creed to "leave no man behind." But upon returning home, Chris finds that it is the war he can't leave behind.

First and foremost, the utmost respect and admiration must be given to the men and women who sacrifice much to join the military and protect the rights and freedom of many lives. I love all of you and support you no matter what.

American Sniper is one of those movies that's hard to watch. The content is so heavy, it's hard to actually see the horrible situations our men and women are faced with in battle. Gruesome. Raw. Heartbreaking. The toll war takes on those who serve, and their family as well, is outlined in living color. Crafted with heroism and acted with the utmost tenderness that was needed to fill these big shoes.

Chris Kyle was a complex man who left the world too soon, Bradley Cooper takes the performance home with raw acting ability, literally clawing for each facet of realism and authentication. You'll cry right on queue and hang on to your seats in the next scene. It's an emotional roller-coaster that will leave you skinned of anything other then respect.

That all being said, there were several scenes where a CGI baby was used. It was blatantly obvious the baby was not real, at all. Which left me stunned it was even used. Was there a budget cut on getting a real baby? I don't know, but it was VERY distracting and all I could look at. I missed the whole scene just starting that this weird, odd looking CGI thing.

Clint may not have a director style that blows my hair back, but that takes a side seat the RPG's that could actually blow my hair all the way off. It's in your face and somber at the same time. You'll leave the theater in a different state of being. Bradley deserves all the nominations he's receiving for this one and I hope he wins them all!


Getting 4 Sheep

KD