The Travelling Toe: American Sniper (movie critique)

Friday, February 6, 2015

American Sniper (movie critique)

American Sniper

There is much controversy surrounding the movie "American Sniper:. As The Travelling Toe has not read Mr Kyle's 2012 autobiography which the movie is supposedly based on nor been a sniper, this review will be a personal viewpoint of the movie only.

First of all, Bradley Cooper did a excellent job playing Chris Kyle. He bulked up his body to play a highly trained navy SEAL and was able to portray a veteran dealing with PTSD issues. Sienna Miller, with dark hair, played Chris' wife Taya and also did an excellent job in her role.

What struck this movie goer was that the movie showed Chris was taught from an early age by his rather stern father, it was his responsibility to watch out and protect his younger brother. This mentality was brought over into his service life as he thought of the soldiers on the ground and in his squad as his "brothers" and he had to protect them. Chris was given the nickname "Legend" due to his ability to make impossible shots.

American Sniper

Being a sniper he was positioned above the action in a 'hive", usually with a spotter, watching the soldiers below enter dangerous situations and taking action to protect them as needed. He was given total responsibility to do what was necessary. That type of responsibility would weigh heavy on anyone.

Another part of the story was his "dual" and hunt for a highly trained Syrian sniper who was an Olympic medal winner. His name was Mustafa and he was as much of a deadly shot as was Chris..

Chris did 4 tours which took a toll on him and his family life but he was determined to take out Mustafa. On the last tour he made an impossible shot. You will have to see the movie to find out if the impossible shot hit it's target.

The movie did show Chris's struggle with PTSD after his tours and how he came to work with other veterans with PTSD.

The end of the movie was very respectful of Chris and his family. It was a photo montage of his service, funeral and memorial service at the Cowboy Stadium.

A photo of of Chris and his wife Taya and one Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller in the same pose were shown and there was a great resemblance between the 2 couples.

The movie was directed by Clint Eastwood who hopefully will be remembered during the everlasting awards season.

The Travelling Toe awards this movie 2 toes up plus a corn pad!