'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.

[SkyDancer]

Our family read the book. The MSM will cry and moan about glorifying the military and death and how the military is so evil.

[Rio]

Maybe he would rather forget “Firefox.”

[Tijeras_Slim]

And Paint Your Wagon

[Mears]

“Gran Torino” was one my favorite movies ever.

.

[InvisibleChurch]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2883854/How-Clint-Eastwood-Bradley-Cooper-asked-father-American-Sniper-Chris-Kyle-permission-film-Navy-Seal-hero-s-life-told-Disrespect-son-ll-unleash-Hell.html

[Ted Grant]

I enjoyed Jersey Boys this past summer.

[jazusamo]

Thanks for linking, good piece.

I believe Mr. Kyle knew he could trust the both of them before he said it but it doesn’t hurt to make sure. :-)

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Firefox wasn’t that bad. At the time, I thought it was pretty cool.

[Scutter]

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.

Me too! I didn't realize it raised that much money for them. Great to know.

The best thing we can do w.r.t. Ventura is to not give him the time of day. Let him fade into the obscurity he deserves.

[Travis McGee]

SEAL vs. Ranger Epic Rap Battle

(A bit raw at times, you are warned)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJsnEJRUjVs&feature=youtu.be&list=UUre2GibO9Vdb3C59VzDsFxQ

[Borges]

It is getting good reviews in general.

[Perdogg]

ping

[trisham]

I’m looking forward to seeing this one.

[newfreep]

Sienna Miller - 1) Normal and 2) as Kyle's wife. Quite a change!

[ro_dreaming]

Ping for later

[L.A.Justice]

I thought MYSTIC RIVER was a good film although I was not a fan of Tim Robbins and Sean Penn. (But, they did a good job in that film.)

MILLION DOLLAR BABY was average...I did not like the movie too much.

J. Edgar...I did not watch it. I have no interest in seeing a movie about J. Edgar Hoover's sexual orientation...

I did like HEARTBREAK RIDGE...

[L.A.Justice]

I agree that she looks different...

Sienna Miller did have a short affair with 007...Daniel Craig...