American Sniper: FR Review, Thoughts, etc. (SPOILERS INCL.)

Rabidralph and FR | Jan. 31, 2015 | Rabidralph

[rabidralph]

When American Sniper went into wide release, I promised to get a thread going, after a few weeks, so that FReepers could have a discussion about the movie, Hollywood, the effect of the story on us as veterans and civilians and whatever else.

I hope that most of FR has had a chance to see it. There will probably be spoilers in this discussion.

[rabidralph]

[gogeo]

For the left, everything is political. ..if they say it is.

[combat_boots]

I saw this movie twice. This is not something I have ever done as an adult...and I have been an adult for a long time.

[stevem]

My Wife and I just saw that movie this afternoon. It was interesting during and when the movie ended.

The theater today was way over half full, maybe three quarters. That's impossible for a matinee, even on weekends.

When the movie ended, not a soul moved until the end of the credits. Then everyone exited the theater, without even a whispered comment by anyone until we were in the lobby. That's intense.

The last time I experienced that was Flags of Our Fathers. My Dad was a Pharmacist's Mate (think Corpsman or Medic) who invaded Iwo Jima. We took him to see Flags of Our Fathers. He thought it was a as authentically rendered as Hollywood can render. Those movie fans left that movie in silence, as well.

My Son served two tours in Iraq. To my knowledge he was only in harm's way once, and that one time had zip to do with his job. I think because our Son was there, the movie was even more intense for my Wife.

I would highly recommend American Sniper to anyone who hasn't seen it. Don't plan on being entertained. Nevertheless, if you aren't moved, you have neither heart nor soul.

[rabidralph]

I appreciate your father's and your son's service.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the film. I started to wonder whether those sandstorms are predictable like regular weather or if they just squall up without warning. On top of all the other challenges of fighting in Iraq, I didn't think they had that to deal with. And I wonder how often they occur.

[Fiji Hill]

How does it compare to other war movies you've seen?

It compares very well with the better ones, which include Wings, Alexander Nevskii, The Birth of a Nation, Hell's Angels and The Alamo. It provides a realistic portrayal of the war in Iraq.

[rainee]

Hubby & I saw tonight..it was a 4:30 showing & packed house.
I knew the Chris Kyle story so was not shocked at the end but still crying. But obviously others didnt know his story, there was a very audible gasp & tears when the byline showed he had died.
My husband & I both loved..bravo to Eastwood, Cooper etc.
My husband spent the drive home explaining to me about the gun scope, windage etc..& said not enough time spent on the spotter duties?

[rainee]

Also, nobody moved until credits were finished.
Then, everyone filed out in complete silence.
It was as if we were all attending his memorial.

[ArmyTeach]

“It was about bravery, sacrifice and patriotism” ... which are foreign concepts to most liberals.

[ArmyTeach]

Exactly the same reaction in our theater at the end of the movie ...

[zerosix]

What else would you like to know?

[rabidralph]

Thanks for the report. Yes, there was an audible gasp in my theater too, when people learned that he was murdered. That final scene with his family was just gut-wrenching, on top of all the other stuff he went through. Thanks for the report.

I'm thinking that the military advisors didn't want to give away any trade secrets as to the spotter's duties? Which is fine with me.

[rabidralph]

Wow. My war-movie experience is quite limited. I’ve not seen any that you mentioned. I’ve seen a few John Waynes, Patton, Big Red One, Platoon, FMJ, Saving Pvt. Ryan and several of the modern ones made in the last 20. I will try and check out those you’ve mentioned. Thanks!

[rabidralph]

Yes, good analogy. The footage at the end was quite touching. God bless Texas, forever and ever.

[rainee]

Yes, that’s exactly what my husband said about spotter. Wouldn’t want to give away the exact type of military only scope that they use & how they use it.

[rabidralph]

I would like to know what is the ideal long-distance rifle for the everyday person? I heard that the military uses the Remington 700, among other models, but then regular guys on other threads say that Remingtons have gone downhill for some time, not to mention the trigger replacement problem from last year. What is the overall problem with Remingtons? What is a better rifle to use and what upgrades should be made to a rifle that are affordable? Was he using a .308 or did calibers vary depending on the mission? Thanks!

[mad_as_he$$]

Remington is run by idiots. Kyle mostly carried a .338 Lapua(MK-12) built by Daniel Defense. He did use a borrowed .300 win mag in at least one engagement. .338 is easier to carry and deploy than a Barret 50 and deadly well over mile(as Kyle proved). Be advised a .338 round is spendy and range time can be painful.

http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/index.php/cName/rifle-ammo-338-lapua

[rainee]

Hubby owns a Savage that he swears by..think the 111.
Don’t know specifics :(

I read Kyle used .300 Win & .338 Lapua mag
Interesting article w/lots of detail:
http://precisionrifleblog.com/2015/01/17/american-sniper-chris-kyle-rifles/

[rabidralph]

Thanks. Yes, I’ve seen prices for .338 ammo and that is out of my budget. I appreciate the critique of Remington. It’s a shame there isn’t as much after-market stuff for other makes.

[rabidralph]

Thanks, so much! I’ve heard good things about Savage. I will check out the article.