Movie Review: American Sniper

My second entry to 2015 comes with much enthusiasm for the year's slate of Hollywood films - There's SO MUCH GOOD MOVIES to look forward to later this year, and we're getting a sampling of them already in just the first month alone. That's pretty much a good indicator of just how much positive vibes I have for sure hit blockbuster flicks like Avengers: Age of Ultron, Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, and plenty more... But we also have to take in the serious pieces, comedies, and biographical pictures that will certainly be coming our way as well as the year rolls onward.

However, I'd be hard-pressed to find something that's as awe-inspiring, bold, and captivating as "American Sniper" - the brand new film directed by Clint Eastwood that serves as the official biographical war drama pic that tells the life of Chris Kyle - United States Navy SEALS soldier, father, husband, and the MOST LETHAL SNIPER IN US MILITARY HISTORY to date.

Here's a review for the film just before the month ends, and just on its second week in cinemas to date. Special thanks goes to Warner Bros. PH for the screening earlier this January!

Played by hotshot Hollywood hunk actor and producer Bradley Cooper, this is a film that took me completely by surprise... On how much attention to detail the filmmakers had on recreating and piecing together a near accurate depiction of Kyle's life before, during, and after his four tours in the Iraq War. Much like Saving Private Ryan and Black Hawk Down, it's the kind of film that speaks volumes of how acts of patriotism are one thing, yet experiencing the war and coming back from it are another different matter entirely.

American Sniper - Official Trailer [HD]
In the film, we see Kyle emboldened to serve his country as a means of finding something noteworthy to do in his life. He starts out as a Texan Cowboy who tries to crank out a typical living associated with the position... Until he sees an advertisement to join the Navy SEALS. From there he trains, becomes a very good sniper, and even earns the name "The Legend" for his kill count and ability to get the mission done and accomplished without incident. However, inevitably his experiences in the war take their toll on his personal life, especially with his family and time going home. The movie conveys it well, and even does a good job of amping up the tension whenever Kyle is on a mission. It feels very real, and even those nods to a certain "Marvel character" were a good touch in downplaying the intensity and drama that's laced all around the movie.

Without giving too much away, this is easily one of my top sleeper surprises and favorites to start off 2015. You'd be remiss to not even try and watch this film once. It's a biographical film sure that explores Chris Kyle's life until tragedy struck in 2013, but it is compelling and Cooper's portrayal of the hero is without question an honorable one. I'd have to say this is

American Sniper is now playing in RP theaters courtesy of Warner Bros. Philippines.

Rating - 5/5