Rating of
3/4
... And Flag Waving Ensues
Unknown - wrote on 01/20/15
'American Sniper' is the prime example of the absolute typical biopic done true to form. I won't sugar coat this review. The film takes the easy route in telling it's story. Things are presented mostly in black-and-white when it comes to the issues of war and heroism, as well as the politics involved. The movie is more interested in portraying Chris Kyle as a hero, rather than exploring the many avenues involved with the way soldiering had changed him. Sure, we get short scenes of his PTSD on the return home, a few one-off lines of other soldiers questioning the importance of the Iraq war to him, and a little bit of his actual thoughts on the morals of his actions. But those are only bite sized morsels sprinkled in to give us a taste of what could have been. The drama that exists is all fairly typical and no more than surface deep. Some effective emotional scenes manage to sneak through, thanks to the performances and accurate representation of the battles. I'm not saying this film is bad for taking the easy way, I'm only bummed that it did not dive deeper. It's still very well directed and acted. I was involved the whole time, more-so with the action sequences. The escalating tension is felt on a personal level in these situations. These scenes are the definite highlight, making it more than worth the price of admission. In the end, 'American Sniper' is a good tribute to a fallen hero and nothing more. Those excited for this film will most likely be more enthused than I was.
