'American Sniper' review: Clint Eastwood shows off his best directing chops

Fox News ^ | December 23, 2014 | Justin Craig

[jazusamo]

Clint Eastwood returns to form with “American Sniper,” his best directorial effort since his one-two shot hits “Mystic River” (2003) and “Million Dollar Baby.” (2004)

Based on Navy SEAL Chris Kyle’s autobiography, “American Sniper” is an introspective – yet incredibly intense – look at Kyle (Bradley Cooper), the SEAL’s most lethal sniper, throughout his four tours of duty in Iraq. Kyle quickly became famous as America’s most deadly sniper, becoming a legend among fellow American soldiers as well as an infamous target by the Iraqi insurgents. Eastwood’s film shifts between the mutual manhunt between Kyle and a savage insurgent leader called “The Butcher” and Kyle’s attempts to maintain a stable home life whilst knowing his fellow men are still in harm’s way back in Iraq.

Cooper is simply amazing as Kyle, focusing on the sniper’s modesty – Kyle was uncomfortable with the attention he received – but was never shy about taking the lead in a dangerous situation. Cooper presents Kyle as an honest, likeable and humble guy with a heart of gold but with an uncanny – and deadly – skill.

The film opens with Kyle as he is presented with a horrific dilemma: Should he shoot a small boy and his mother to protect a convoy of U.S. troops? Immediately Cooper is put to task wrestling with the horror of possibly killing a child and then like a trained soldier, drops those interloping emotions and makes a clear, calculated call. It’s a powerful moment – a brave moment, too, in Eastwood’s directorial oeuvre - and Cooper nails it.

[Blue Jays]

Looking forward to this movie to learn even more about this brave American serviceman.
Based upon what I have seen...my anticipation is for a solid and truthful movie.

[dfwgator]

And may I add, FU Jesse Ventura.

[digger48]

Will Jesse Ventura be suing Clint Eastwood now too?

[jazusamo]

Totally agree.

[Jack Hydrazine]

Is there a best of list for the best movies of 2014 for conservatives?

[EveningStar]

ping

[TurboZamboni]

I’m guessing no mention of ‘scuff face’ in this.

[jazusamo]

Hopefully that pathetic slobs name is not mentioned.

[AEMILIUS PAULUS]

Same here.

[Argus]

There was a scene of Kyle’s encounter with “Scruff Face” in the script but I don’t know if it made it into the finished product.

[Vendome]

Looking forward to seeing this!

Merry Christmas!

[SkyDancer]

Just waiting for the MSM to review it ... you know how they’ll shape it ...

[bestintxas]

I thing gran torino was one of his best

[TurboZamboni]

I only know the book, not the script.
I’ll take your word for it.

I had a few drinks on vacation at the bar that incident allegedly happened at.

thanks!

[jazusamo]

Me too and thanks.

Merry Christmas to you and yours and all FReepers.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

I just looked up Movies Directed By Clint Eastwood because the two mentioned in the opening line seems to be an awfully short list. I was amazed that he's directed 38 films! Wow, I didn't realize how big his directing career was in addition to his acting career. Unforgiven, Firefox, Flags of Our Fathers, Heartbreak Ridge, J. Edgar, Letters from Iwo Jima, Pale Rider, Gran Torino, The Outlaw Josey Wales, High Plains Drifter...what an oeuvre! He is an amazing man.

And who can forget his outstanding empty chair speech at the RNC? Too bad nobody listened to him.

[jazusamo]

You’re right on the mark, the leftist enemedia will not be giving it raves.

[R0CK3T]

I bought the Chris Kyle shirt thru Forged to help out the Chris Kyle Family and the tell that A-Hole Ventura to stick up his butt. The effort put over 1Million into the family’s hands.

:)

[jazusamo]

He truly is a man of talent and has forwarded conservatism, I’ve loved all his movies.