American Sniper Review

3.5 Stars

 

Bradley Cooper stars as Chris Kyle in the biographical movie American Sniper directed by Clint Eastwood based on the autobiography written by Kyle who has the title of deadliest sniper in American history.  This is the 5th movie directed by Eastwood that has been nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture of the year.  He has won for Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby.  But this isn't like those movies.  This movie is based on Kyle's autobiographical account of his experiences in the war in Iraq following the 9/11 attacks against the United States.  Like Lone Survivor, Zero Dark Thirty, The Hurt Locker, and The Green Zone, this movie has to do with the United States' ongoing war in the Middle East.  Unlike those other movies, American Sniper is steeped with hot controversy over whether Kyle should be regarded as a hero or a monster.

Although Eastwood has said the film "wasn't political in nature", that hasn't stopped major politicians, the media and Hollywood from speaking out about American Sniper.  Political Comedian Bill Maher criticized the movie on his talk show saying "The Hurt Locker made $17 million because it's a little ambiguous and thoughtful."  He criticizes American Sniper as "lacking nuance."  Author Bret Stephens questioned whether Maher had actually seen the film and was surprised that was his impression.  Stephens felt the movie "treats what veterans and soldiers go through in a way that was subtle." On the same episode, Howard Dean commented that American Tea Partiers are angry and that's who is going to see this movie.  His comments grew criticism as well, most notably from actor Gary Sinise who felt the former governor was making "stupid blanket statements."

 

After watching the movie, I would have to agree with Stephens and wonder if Maher actually watched the movie before making his snarky, condescending comments about American Sniper.  It seemed he was confusing the man Chris Kyle with the movie which was based on Kyle's autobiography.  I agree with Stephens as well that this movie had more to do with the effects of the war on Kyle and his family and friends than it was a war movie.  There was nothing about this film that glorified war or made Kyle a hero.  It was sad to see Kyle become more and more obsessed with fulfilling his patriotic duty by returning to Iraq.  It was gut-wrenching to see him change and what his wife and children had to endure both without him home, and especially when he was home.

This is Bradley Cooper's third year in a row being nominated for an Oscar for his acting performance.  Though he did not win for American Hustle or Silver Linings Playbook, it's pretty clear why he was nominated this year.  Cooper gave another wonderful performance, but for me personally, one of the things I love about the best actors out there is their ability to make me forget that there's an actor playing a role.  They are so good at their portrayal of the character, I don't see the actor at all, but rather the character in the story.  And that's why I don't believe Cooper will win this year.  As much as I enjoyed the movie and his performance, I saw Cooper's portrayal of Kyle throughout the movie and not just Kyle.  I predicted 4 stars for American Sniper, but I'm going to lower it to 3.5.  I thought it was good, very good in the theatre. I might watch it again when it comes to DVD, but it probably won't be in my home collection. So, what movie is going to be on my mind next?  I'll give you a hint: it's an Oscar nomination.

American Sniper Preview

It's Oscar time again which means the race is on for me to see as many Oscar nominated movies that I can fit in before Sunday February 22nd.  The films nominated for Best Picture this year are American Sniper, Birdman, Boyhood, The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Imitation Game, Selma, The Theory of Everything, and Whiplash.  I'll be starting with American Sniper.

Bradley Cooper stars as Chris Kyle in the biographical movie American Sniper directed by Clint Eastwood based on the autobiography written by Kyle who has the title of deadliest sniper in American history.  This is the 5th movie directed by Eastwood that has been nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture of the year.  He has won for Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby.  But this isn't like those movies.  This movie is based on Kyle's autobiographical account of his experiences in the war in Iraq following the 9/11 attacks against the United States.  Like Lone Survivor, Zero Dark Thirty, The Hurt Locker, and The Green Zone, this movie has to do with the United States' ongoing war in the Middle East.  Unlike those other movies, American Sniper is steeped with hot controversy over whether Kyle should be regarded as a hero or a monster.

Although Eastwood has said the film "wasn't political in nature", that hasn't stopped major politicians, the media and Hollywood from speaking out about American Sniper.  Political Comedian Bill Maher criticized the movie on his talk show saying "The Hurt Locker made $17 million because it's a little ambiguous and thoughtful."  He criticizes American Sniper as "lacking nuance."  Author Bret Stephens questioned whether Maher had actually seen the film and was surprised that was his impression.  Stephens felt the movie "treats what veterans and soldiers go through in a way that was subtle." On the same episode, Howard Dean commented that American Tea Partiers are angry and that's who is going to see this movie.  His comments grew criticism as well, most notably from actor Gary Sinise who felt the former governor was making "stupid blanket statements."

This is Bradley Cooper's third year in a row being nominated for an Oscar for his acting performance.  Though he did not win for American Hustle or Silver Linings Playbook, judging by the preview, it's pretty clear why he was nominated this year.  From the preview, I don't quite understand why there is so much controversy as it appears to be one man's account of his experiences fighting in Iraq.  I'm sure I'll figure that part out when I watch the movie.  I'll also see if the brief glimpses we get at what looks like a gritty and powerful performance from Cooper sustains for the whole film.  I'm predicting 4 stars: it will be worth the money and has a good chance of making it to my home DVD collection.  Am I right?  We shall see.

Trouble With The Curve Review

Trouble With The Curve is the story of an aging baseball scout (Clint Eastwood) and his estranged daughter (Amy Adams).  Eastwood plays Gus Lobel who has been a successful baseball scout for decades, but his age and lack of embracing new technology, his employers are starting to question if he's still got the gift.  Gus is threatened by rival scout played by Justin Timberlake, both on and off the field, especially when Gus' daughter Mickey arrives on the scene.  A promising lawyer, Mickey puts her career in jeopardy to reunite with her father as Gus now finds himself looking after his daughter, his career, and keeping Timberlake away from both.

Trouble With The Curve was a cute movie.  Here are the problems: it will never make it as a classic sports or baseball film like Bull Durham, Major League, The Natural, or even Moneyball; nor is it the best relationship building movie that Eastwood has achieved.  There was more of a smooth transition and steady development of a relationship between Eastwood and Hillary Swank in Million Dollar Baby than there was between he and Amy Adams in The Curve. In fact, I more enjoyed watching Justin Timberlake's character of the "rival" scout breaking down the emotional walls that Mickey (Amy Adams) had build up over the years than I did watching Gus (Eastwood) and Mickey work through their problems.

There were a couple other issues I had with the movie.  Just twenty minutes into the movie, it felt like eighteen of those minutes were spent going out of their way to make sure we understood that Gus Lobel was old, losing his sight, and losing the faith of most of his colleagues.  It got a little tiresome to have the point driven home so much.  Also, the preview leads one to believe that Johnny "The Flame" (Timberlake) is Gus' competition both on and off the field as they are scouting the same big league hitting prospect in up-and-comer Bo Gentry (Joe Massingill) and Johnny immediately starts scouting Mickey when they first meet.  As it turns out, they are anything but rivals; which is fine, but this movie could have used a little more tension and drama and that might have been a nice twist to throw in the mix.

Finally, the protagonist and actual rival scout within the organization Phillip Sanderson (Matthew Lillard) is your stereotypical sleazy jerk that is played so over the top right along side Bo Gentry's ultra macho jerkiness that you are left with absolutely no choice but to hate both of them the minute you meet them.  The film went a bit over the top again in portraying these two in such an unfavorable light.  Sanderson relied completely on computer stats and analysis to make his decisions to climb his way up the ladder to GM of the baseball team though he knows nothing about people or baseball for that matter.  And Gentry, the next big meat-head slugger is only concerned with his image, his endorsements and chicks and has no love or respect for the game.  Not only are you forced to route against them, within moments of being introduced to either character, you know for certain that they both will fail in the end.

Again, Trouble With The Curve is a cute movie.  A little predictable.  Not the best character movie, and certainly not the best baseball movie.  Eastwood brings his A game as the crotchety old scout who is emotionally closed off to those he cares for most.  Adams is the over-achieving daughter pursuing a career she hates to impress her father and comes to terms with her own emotional baggage.  That done mostly through the aide of the smooth, sweet, and much-needed and appreciated comic relief that Timberlake brought to the film.  I enjoyed it, I'm glad I rented it, but this one will not be making it to my esteemed home collection.  What movie will be on my mind next?  We'll have to see.

Trouble With The Curve Preview

Trouble With The Curve is the story of an aging baseball scout (Clint Eastwood) and his estranged daughter (Amy Adams).  Eastwood plays Gus Lobel who has been a successful baseball scout for decades, but his age and lack of embracing new technology, his employers are starting to question if he's still got the gift.  Gus is threatened by rival scout played by Justin Timberlake, both on and off the field, especially when Gus' daughter Mickey arrives on the scene.  A promising lawyer, Mickey puts her career in jeopardy to reunite with her father as Gus now finds himself looking after his daughter, his career, and keeping Timberlake away from both.

Trouble With The Curve looks like a warm, funny, heart-felt movie that will keep audiences laughing and wiping away tears throughout.  I'd say Eastwood looks like he is back and better than ever; however, other than a slight slip-up at the Republican National Convention, no one's ever accused the actor of being anything other than one of the best.  Amy Adams (three time Academy Award nominated) looks triumphant in yet another role proving her versatility as a promising actress who fortunately was quickly able to lose her Disney Princess persona with roles in movies like Sunshine Cleaning Company, Doubt and The Fighter in which she more than held her own with Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale.

Justin Timberlake, John Goodman and Robert Patrick lend their talents to what looks like a successful movie delighting audiences of all ages, both genders and sports fans (or not) alike.  I anticipate being thoroughly entertained and tearing up at points, ultimately wanting to add this movie to my collection.  Am I right?  Stay tuned and find out.

Changeling Reviewed

Changeling is the true story of Christine Collins (Angelina Jolie) and her son Walter. Walter's father left before Walter was born and Christine was left to raise him on her own. She works for the telephone company and Walter is everything to her. On March 10, 1928, Christine promised to take Walter to the movies, but a co-worker called in sick and she was forced to cover the shift, leaving Walter, 9 years old, home by himself for the day. When she returns home, Walter is nowhere to be found. She frantically searches the neighborhood and cannot find him. She calls the LAPD who tell her there's nothing they can do for 24 hours as it's common for children to return in that period of time. The next day, the police do come out to take a report.

Two weeks later, Walter is still missing and Christine's case is gaining local news coverage. Pastor Gustav Briegleb (John Malkovich) prays weekly for her as part of his Sunday sermon. Briegleb also hosts a popular radio talk show in which his mission is to expose the LAPD for their violent tactics, gross injustices, and cover-ups.

In August of 1928, Walter has been missing for five months when Captain JJ Jones (Jeffrey Donovan) of the LAPD delivers the good news to Christine that her son has been found. They escort her to the train station where Walter is traveling from DeKalb, Illinois. Anxious to get a good word for themselves in the papers, the press is present in great numbers. When the boy gets off the train, she immediately knows it's not her son. The boy is actually a child who was abandoned by his father at a diner in Illinois over a two dollar lunch tab. When Christine voices her concern, Captain Jones is quick to remind her it's been five months, the boy has been through a great ordeal, she is overcome with emotion, the LAPD is sure this is her son and she reluctantly agrees to take the boy home on a "trial basis".

That night, she is convinced more than ever that the boy is not her son. He has no manners, he is three inches shorter, and this boy is circumcised. The next day, when she brings these facts to Captain Jones, he is upset at her and demands to know "Why are you doing this? Running away from your responsibilities as a mother. Why should we continue looking for someone we've already found?" Captain Jones sends a doctor to the Collins' residence and his sole purpose is to validate the claims of the LAPD making Christine out to be a bad mother for denying it. The story of the Doctor's confirmation makes the LA Times front page the next day. The story prompts Pastor Briegleb to contact Christine. He tells her that the LAPD does not tolerate embarrassment and that she is in a position to do just that and they will do anything they can, starting with discrediting her, to avoid the public humiliation. He tells her that he's seen it before, and though her case of mistreatment is not the first, with his help, it could be the last. She agrees to accept his assistance and begins to set up her case against the LAPD.

Her dentist examines the boy who's teeth could not possibly be Walter's. Her teacher swears she has never seen the boy before in her life. With their statements, Christine goes before the press with this information. Captain Jones sends officers to bring her in when the story hits the air. Instead of apologizing and agreeing to continue to look for her missing son, Captain Jones has Christine committed to a Psychopathic Institute for delusions and paranoia.

In the Psych Ward, Christine learns that many of the other "patients" are what is known as Code 12. They were all put in there for daring to defy or embarrass the LAPD. Christine is told that if she signs a statement that she was wrong about the boy and that the LAPD was right to commit her for psychiatric treatment, she would be free to go, but she refuses.

Meanwhile, while following up on a lead from the Canadian Mounted Police, Detective Lester Ybarra (Michael Kelly) takes a 15 year old boy Sanford Clark (Eddie Alderson) into custody to be deported back to Canada. The boy reveals that he was held captive by Gordon Northcott (Jason Butler Harner) and forced to aide in kidnapping and murdering nearly 20 young boys. Clark is able to identify most of the boys from pictures produced by Detective Ybarra and Walter's picture is among them.

With this new information, Pastor Briegleb gets a warrant to have Christine and the other Code 12 patients released. Northcott is tracked down in Canada and arrested to stand trial. And Christine, with Pastor Briegleb's help, retains one of LA's finest attorneys to bring the LAPD to justice.

Nearly seven years later, Christine is still making phone calls daily to see if any agencies have picked up a boy matching Walter's description when she receives a call that one of the 20 boys identified as having been captured by Northcott had been found. He tells the story of how he and two other boys escaped with Walter's help. They all split up with Northcott came after them. Although this wasn't Walter, Christine is able to smile because she now has hope that her boy is still out there.

This movie was brilliant, exhilarating, and left you breathless even though there were no action scenes, no epic battles, no ear-shattering explosions. It was just the story of a mother's desperate search for her missing son. Her son goes missing only 10 minutes into the two and a half hour long movie, but in that short period of time, we can already see how much Walter means to Christine Collins. The remaining two hours plus leave you drop-jawed in disbelief the entire time. It doesn't just tug at them, it grabs your emotional strings and never lets them go. It is unthinkable that these events actually took place and Clint Eastwood does an amazing job of bringing the story to the screen.

Angelina Jolie gave a flawless performance as a grief-stricken and determined strong single mother. John Malkovich was perfect as the Pastor with a Vengeance. Jeffrey Donovan was magnificent as the Captain you loathed and despised, smiling and looking so professional and proper as he spewed some of the most unthinkable words one could utter. And the kids in the movie were unbelievable. Each of them were required to give emotionally demanding performances and delivered in a huge way. Everything came together in this movie to make it one of the best movies I have seen in a long time and you had better believe this movie is making my DVD collection. But what movie will be on my mind next? We shall see . . .

Changeling Preview

Changeling is based on the true story of a grief -stricken mother Christine Collins (Angelina Jolie) whose son went missing on March 10, 1928. After a five month long investigation under the direction of LAPD Captain JJ Jones (Jeffrey Donnovan), her son was miraculously found in Illinois and returned to her in Los Angeles. There's only one problem - it's not her son. Pastor Gustav Briegleb (John Malkovich) picks up on her story and offers his assistance. He has a vendetta against the LAPD because of their shortcomings and their attempts to cover them up. He knows that Mrs. Collins has the power to embarrass them and they don't like that. In fact, to cover up their mistakes, the LAPD sends Mrs. Collins to a mental institution and she won't be released unless she signs a confession that they did no wrong and are not responsible for anything. Captain Jones is informed that the way he is handling the whole case is making them look bad and is asked if the kid they gave her isn't her son, then where is he? Collins is convinced that her son is still out there. Pastor Gustav will keep this story on the front page so no more kids and parents are put through this. And the LAPD will do whatever they can to bury the story.

Clint Eastwood adds Changeling to his growing list of Directorial achievements including Unforgiven, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Million Dollar Baby, and Flags of our Fathers. Changeling is based on a true story and looks to be a very emotional story. But it looks like a slow-moving, drawn-out story that will be interesting at best. I'm sure I will be mortified at the actions of the LAPD, but I'm thinking it would be more interesting in a one hour Dateline Special rather than a two and a half hour long movie. I just don't see how it will keep audiences for that long without putting them to sleep. But who knows? Maybe I'm wrong. I am a fan of Eastwood, Jolie and Malkovich, so it's entirely possible. We shall see . . .