AMERICAN SNIPER

Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle’s pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield and turns him into a legend. Back home to his wife and kids after four tours of duty, however, Chris finds that it is the war he can’t leave behind. — IMDB

AMERICAN SNIPER is an excellent movie from director Clint Eastwood (who is 84!). Based on the true story of America’s most accomplished sniper, Chris Kyle (who died only last year), who we follow to Iraq for four tours of duty interspersed with his returns home. During his periods at home, we witness the lasting impact of war on his mental health and his relationship with his wife – and the desperation to get back to active combat where he feels most at home. What makes this such a good movie is that it doesn’t seem to have a political agenda. It shows the complex nature of wartime experience with incredible intensity. Bradley Cooper is outstanding as Chris Kyle in a career-defining performance. The scenes in war torn Iraq are confidently directed without sensationalism. It’s a sad and brutal story (there is a large amount of strong and disturbing war violence) and deserving of its Oscar nomination for best picture. Don’t miss it on the big screen.

PS: I took off 1/2 a star because of the fake baby used in a couple of scenes which was so obviously fake it ruined the reality of the moment for me! In a movie with this much money spent on it, that shouldn’t happen. Don’t let this put you off seeing the movie, though!