American Sniper - B

Bradley Cooper

Rated R, 134 minutes
Wes's Grade: B

Intense battle scenes, strong performances lift “American Sniper” from being typical war movie

“American Sniper” is not your typical war movie, but then Chris Kyle, also a native Texan, was not your typical Navy Seal. The movie is about U.S. Navy Seal sniper Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper, in a strong performance and who also co-produced), the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history. Remarkably, as much as he experienced on his tours, his life ended tragically at home. Stirring, intense and well-acted, “American Sniper” is most memorable for its skillful battle scenes and poignant performances, though it’s not a revelatory look at military life. Kyle is sent to Iraq with only one mission: to protect his brothers-in-arms, though as with many in the military, he struggles to find career-family balance. His pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield and, as stories of his courageous exploits spread, he earns the nickname "Legend." Directed with skill and care for the material by Oscar-winner Eastwood and featuring a first-rate performance from Cooper as Kyle, “American Sniper” is powerful, moving and filled with a vigor that would’ve likely pleased Kyle himself. Based on Kyle’s autobiography of the same name, it’s a worthy but tragic story of a true American hero who saved many lives but was unfortunately gunned down by a fellow but troubled veteran he was trying to help (and fortunately, and perhaps for Kyle’s family, Eastwood doesn’t show it). The fact that Kyle was such a prolific sniper sets this apart from the usual military story, even if it’s really only a surface-level look at military life – and if you’re aware of Kyle’s story – you’re already very aware of what will happen later in his life, though Eastwood handles it with obvious affection for his subject. Written by Jason Dean Hall and photographed by Eastwood’s usual cinematographer Tom Stern, the violent, stirring battle scenes are far more engaging than the family story, which seems to be only skimmed over, however Sienna Miller is also strong as Kyle’s wife Taya, who shared in his many struggles to adjust to family life and being a husband and dad rather than the “Legend” he was known in military circles. Cooper continues to grow as an actor, and his bulky metamorphosis as Kyle (he added 30 pounds) is a very believable one, which is unfortunate given the many other strong performances at this year’s end. Eastwood could’ve deeply explored more angles, particularly some of Kyle’s psychological issues, but overall the satisfying “American Sniper” is a gripping and affecting portrait of someone who honorably served his family and country. And have tissues handy for the end credits scenes. Certainly worth a look.

Opens Christmas Day in limited release, wide in January