A review by C J Dee
Director: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller
Running time: 132 minutes
Watch this if you liked: Saving Private Ryan, Captain Phillips
Rating: 
4 out of 5 stars
Based on the true story of American war veteran Chris Kyle, American Sniper shows the contrast between Kyle’s (Cooper) life at war and at home.
American Sniper managed to make a war film, based on a true story no less, that didn’t feel like it was glorifying or overdramatising the subject matter.
Bradley Cooper performed admirably in his role as Chris Kyle, one that could not have been easy to portray.
While watching American Sniper, there were moments throughout where the performances felt stiff and forced. If the performances had flowed throughout the film then this would have been a five star film. Unfortunately a handful of scenes left the whole film feeling slightly off-kilter.
Upon reflection, I am open to considering that this was a way for Eastwood to show the tension building in Kyle’s home life. However, if this is the case, it was not executed well enough to earn back its fifth star.
I would recommend American Sniper to viewers who enjoy true stories or war movies but be prepared for an onslaught of varying emotions throughout the film.
‘You’re my husband, you’re the father of my children.
Even when you’re here, you’re not here.
I see you, I feel you, but you’re not here.’
