American Sniper

Posted by Itheliving 9 years, 10 months ago to Movies
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American Sniper / Rated R for violence, language and sex

For the 2nd time in a matter of months Clint Eastwood has released an American Masterpiece. Less than 6 months prior to the opening date of American Sniper he produced an Americana winner with the coming of age of an American singer and icon Frank Valli and the Four Seasons. Jersey Boys was a triumph. Now, his chronicle of an American hero Chris Kyle.

CK grew up in Texas and after the attacks on the American Embassy in Kenya in August of 1998 he joined the US Navy and became a SEAL. And a sniper. As far as SEALs and snipers go Chris Kyle was as good as they came. He served 4 tours of duty in Iraq. That is about all the history I can relay without giving away more of the story that is already well known to so many. For those that do not know what happens all I can say is read CK’s book of the same name or see the movie.

The film is a true suspense and excitement thriller. It is also a great story of an American family as well as their moments of glory and heartbreak. It has a lot in common with both Lone Survivor (2013) and Black Hawk Down (2001). They both feature small numbers of American Service Men in desperate battles while greatly outnumbered. In American Sniper Bradley Cooper did an incredible physical makeover to turn himself into Chris Kyle. SEAL team members who knew CK said they could feel their friends presence when they met Bradley C. That is good acting. BC may well earn a Best Actor Oscar for his performance. Actress Sienna Miller plays CK’s wife and does a great job patiently as possible waiting at home.

Clint, once again on the Oscar hunt, crafts a beautifully well made film moving expertly back and forth between the Iraq conflict and the home front. Although much of the story takes place in Texas Clint did all his filming in Southern California and Morocco. Could have fooled me. Steven Spielberg and David O. Russell were up for Director but as things progressed Clint E. ended up in the drivers seat. Lucky for us. Bradley Cooper bought the original production rights and was going to cast current Guardian of the Galaxy Chris Pratt in the lead role then changed his mind. We got lucky again. After the film grossed 90 million plus opening weekend it appears lucky for them. Will American Sniper win the big prize in February? Anybody’s guess. Right now the main competition should be from The Imitation Game, The Theory of Everything, and The Grand Budapest Hotel. The other films are arty and full of gimmicks but may still produce a winner and upset everyone above. As box office results go American Sniper made more money it’s 1st weekend than the 5 top competitors have made in their runs to date. This is because Chris Kyle was an American Hero. And a true Man. And Clint a film making genius.

Rated 4.0 out of 4.0 which give Clint a 6 month total of 8.0 out of 8.0. Clint will be 85 in May. He shows no sign of slowing down. Lucky for us.


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  • Posted by kathywiso 9 years, 10 months ago
    We went to the early show yesterday and it was packed. If you know soldiers personally, there was a lot this movie touched on..excellent movie. As already stated, when we walked out, the quiet was profound. No one spoke...very emotional...sad loss for all of us and he was exceptional at what he did.. As I walked out, I thought this is only one story, one family of all the soldiers..we should all take some time to support them.
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  • Posted by sfrgrdave 9 years, 10 months ago
    We also watched American Sniper over the weekend. It was very touching that as the audience of hundreds of people left the theater, no one spoke a word. The silence was deafening. It was as if all of us just attended Chris Kyle's funeral and the silence was a symbol of our deepest respect.
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    • Posted by Robbie53024 9 years, 10 months ago
      Reports are that it took in $90Million. Largest grossing film debut in Jan ever. That said, it's still sad that at about $10/ticket that's only 9 million viewers, a small portion of the 350+ million pop of the US.
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  • Posted by voodoo59 9 years, 10 months ago
    Just got back from American Sniper. Small town theatre sold out for first two shows today. The audience clapped at the end . The movie is better than the book- which was great! No sugar coating in the film. It was disturbing, honest, realistic and inspiring! Clint did an outstanding
    job and the the actors were flawless. Bradley Cooper was incredible! Go see this movie!
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