American Sniper

Parental Rating: R

Contains: Language    Violence    Adult Content    

Jill's Review

Opens December 25, 2014

Runs 132 minutes

Based on the true story of Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper), a Navy SEAL sniper who is credited with nearly 200 kills in the war following the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. After 9/11, Chris feels the call to enlist. He has always had the gift for shooting and he is encouraged to join the SEALS. Eventually, he deploys and serves as the rooftop sniper cover for convoys as they go door-to-door trying to clear areas from potential terrorists. Soon, he is being referred to as the Legend for his remarkable sniping abilities. After one of his tours of duty, he meets and marries Taya (Sienna Miller). She must carry on stateside while he re-deploys, eventually serving four tours of duty.  His children are born and he becomes more and more torn between serving his fellow soldiers and wanting to be home with his wife. Once his service is over, it is very difficult for him to acclimate to normal life. Lawn mowers make him jumpy and his kids make him nervous. In therapy, he is candid about thinking that he should still be overseas supporting his fellow soldiers. His therapist helps him to see that there are wounded veterans all around that he can support. Unfortunately, this American hero comes to an untimely end helping a troubled marine.

This was my favorite of all of the Christmas movies. It is directed by Clint Eastwood with a sure hand. It is not strictly a war movie. A great portion of the power of the film comes from the contrast between the war scenes and what is happening on the homefront. It is very easy to see how coming home is not so simple for these soldiers and just what they are giving up to serve our Country. Bradley Cooper is fantastic. This is his best role to date. He becomes Chris Kyle. The war scenes are very authentic and it is very clear that fighting this kind of war is a difficult proposition. There is evil over there and they do not hesitate to throw their women and children into the battle.

The husband and Trainer Joe both liked this movie. Trainer Joe even said that the guns, artillery and ammunition progressed realistically and that this movie seemed very authentic. It is a great story about a true American Hero. Go see it.

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