By CHRIS PUNTO & NATALIE SACKET
Columnists
This week we decided to take our daily dose of vitamin USA. We watched, along with what seemed like the rest of Alva, one of the most talked-about movies of the year.
“American Sniper” (2015)
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Chris’ Review-
5 bald eagles our of 5
Before I get too far into this movie review, I would like to stress the point that I am not simply a fan of this movie because it is star-spangled awesome. I like it for what this film is supposed to represent. Now, let’s get to it.
First and foremost, this movie is an adapted screenplay from an autobiography co-written by Chris Kyle before he died. It is not meant to raise support for our war efforts in the Middle East. Whatever you want to believe about what’s going on over there is completely up to you. The main idea behind this movie goes far beyond that. This film captures the psyche behind a man who was deemed a legend among his peers. The movie basically starts with a question: Was Chris Kyle perfect? Throughout the movie they give you the answer. No, he was not. He was flawed. He kept secrets. He held in emotional damage. But the film goes on to show you that just because Superman has a weakness does not make him a bad guy. Yes, the film was dramatized for the viewer’s entertainment, but that shouldn’t take away from what was an amazing movie.
With an Oscar nomination for best actor is a lead role, Bradley Cooper delivers. Diving into the mentality of a battle-hardened Navy SEAL is no easy task. I have said this many times and I stick with it: Anyone who acts out a character with mental damages or disorders properly is a strong actor and person. Not everyone can take that kind of darkness. That kind of pain is what contributed to the death of Heath Ledger. I can’t imagine that acting out this pain is even close to the real deal, but I think some props are in order. Some critics might argue that the film was so narrow-sighted that no one else in the film could shine through, but I disagree. Sienna Miller, who portrays Taya Kyle, does a great job of expressing the sadness and worry that many military wives are all too familiar with. And again, the film was an autobiography. If you expected to see the emotions of an entire SEAL team, go watch “Act of Valor.”
Bottom line: “American Sniper” was not perfect. It might have had some propaganda-style scenes in it, but what film have you seen in the last decade that does not have any kind of agenda behind it? Clint Eastwood, director of this film, is a proud patriot and maybe he just wanted to spread the love. What I cannot do is criticize a movie that dives so deep into the mind of someone who had so much agony penned up inside. I won’t be one of those fakers who suddenly feels an emotional connection to this man. I never knew him. But after watching this movie and doing some of my own research, I believe that Chris Kyle loved the USA and truly wanted nothing more than to protect us and help others. May he rest in peace.
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Natalie Sacket
3 propaganda puppets out of 5
“American Sniper” is aimed, fired, and prepared to knock the Oscars dead. Boasting an impressive six nominations for this year’s academy awards, it appears as though this film will sweep the awards ceremony. But after watching “American Sniper,” I don’t understand why.
Perhaps it was the hype the film received prior to my watching it that caused me to be slightly let down. Maybe it is because I was more captivated and intrigued last month when watching “Unbroken,” also the tale of a man surviving the struggles of war. Or maybe there simply wasn’t enough of a character build for me to grow attached to Bradley Cooper’s character. Regardless of the reason, I was let down by this film, as I was expecting one of the greatest war films I’d yet to see.
Don’t get me wrong, I thing it truly is a good movie. Good, but not GREAT. Best war film I’ve ever seen? No. Worthy of six academy award nominations? No. Worthy of watching despite my harsh critique? Yes.
I will say that the acting was phenomenal. Bradley Cooper buffed up not only his physique but also his acting abilities. I forgot that I was watching Cooper, as he completely transformed into the character. Gone is our favorite pretty boy from “The Hangover.” The main character, played by Cooper, had only one flaw, found in its lack of development throughout the film. Cooper’s performance was outstanding, yet the script left me wanting more.
I do appreciate a film that gives a glimpse into the struggles of soldiers not only when they are overseas, but also when they return home. The effects of PTSD on soldiers is an issue not often in the limelight, but one that is definitely deserving of attention. I appreciate this film for delving into that topic.
Bottom Line: Though I’ve been largely critical of this film, I do think it is one worth seeing. Just be prepared for it to perhaps not live up to the hype. For me, “American Sniper” missed the target.