| CALEB RAVES REVIEWS "FOCUS" Director-John Requa Last Looks- don't get it. Just 5 years ago Will Smith was a huge Box Office attraction with films like Hancock and I Am Legend. Not to mention huge successes with movies like Bad Boys, Men In Black and Independence Day in the 90's. For whatever reason once Hollywood's go to guy Will Smith just can't seem to pack theaters the way he once did lately. I have always been a big fan of Smith's as I think he has always been very entertaining and diverse. I also credit Smith for giving Hip Hop a blueprint on how to be successful outside of the genre as he has been able to transcend rap and takeover Hollywood. After "After Earth" I was ready to jump off the Will Smith bandwagon but I heard some great things about "Focus" so I decided to check this one out. Besides you can't hit home runs every time and Smith's talent is still something that can't be denied on the big screen. Breakdown- Nicky (Will Smith) is a professional con artist who takes a young upstart Jess (Margot Robbie) under his wing. After becoming romantically involved with each other Nicky decides to break things off as he feels he can no longer mix business with pleasure. After 3 years Nicky and Jess's paths become intertwined as they both are scheming to con the same man. Nose Candy Nicky- " The more you drink the more you learn." "You have to die with the lie" "There's a science to getting people to trust you and then you move in for the kill." "I once convinced a man that a warehouse was the federal reserve" "2 kinds of people in this world hammers and nails" "Normal People Lie" Style Points-I love the New Orleans shots in this film being that I live only an hour away Its cool to see familiar places when I am watching a movie. Louisiana is rapidly becoming a go to place for shooting films and It's cool to see the Crescent City being showcased in a positive light. South America was also cool and gave this film some cool international flavor. I'm also a sucker for bar transitioning into sex scenes. This film did a good job here interjecting Nicky and Jess's journey to the bedroom as they were still drinking at a bar. Then only focusing on the lips before a fade to black before anything got too x rated was well done. Also look out for a sick mirror shot as Jess comes through the door of a boutique. If you miss it the first time they show it twice. The twist at the end was also cool and unexpected. Yes I do spoil on my blog and I thought it was an interesting way to introduce Nicky's dad into the movie imposing as Rafael's bodyguard. They mentioned him before I believe only once in the film and thought it was a good lesson from teacher to student the dangers of getting emotions involved when gambling for it all. Role Play Will Smith- I think he still has "It" as a leading man in a film. Ever since "6 Degrees of Separation" Smith has always had that intellectual smooth criminal vibe about him. His charisma oozes out of him and slimes all over this film. Good performance all the way around. Margot Robbie-To be so young and be able to hold her own alongside heavyweights such as Leonardo Dicaprio in "The Wolf of Wall Street" and now alongside Will Smith in this film is incredible. Even though Robbie is much younger then Smith the chemistry felt real as a young woman who was captivated by a man who was the boss of his trade then left her heartbroken after using her to obtain a huge score. To play a con artist you have to be able to switch personalities very quickly and Robbie does so convincingly. One moment she is calmly eating breakfast the next she is hysterically panicking calling for help reporting a heart attack. Also the scene where she pretends to fall for Nicky's charm only to reveal that she was faking and was no longer interested showed how much range Robbie has. It may be too early but Robbie may be the next go to leading lady in Hollywood for the next few years. Money Shot- I'm going with the reveal where Nicky con's a rich gambler out of all his money at a football game by asking him to pick a number of any player on the field and he would have Jess pick the number of the player he picked. The look on Jess's face was priceless as she picked correctly. What was more funny was the rich mans reaction to being hustled out of huge money, praising Nicky and referring to him as his hero. I especially love the reveal afterwards of how Nicky and his team "planted" that number in the rich mans head making him vulnerable to being robbed. Final Score-I believe the Fresh Prince said it best "Girls Ain't Nothing But Trouble." All of the greats downfall has always been attributed to a woman. No but for real "Focus" is a story of following your heart even if you have much bigger at stake and the consequences it may bring. There were some really good scenes in this movie. The moments at the football game were really intense and even though you knew it was a con you as the viewer forgot for a split second which is always good. The film was a little short for me and could have went a little more in depth with the art of deception but made up for it by good performances and exciting twists. "Focus" keeps viewers attention throughout and just when you are on the verge of glancing away finds a way to pull you back in. |
Thursday, March 26, 2015
CALEB RAVES REVIEWS "FOCUS"
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
CALEB RAVES REVIEWS "DRAKE-IF YOU'RE READING THIS IT'S TOO LATE"
| Last Looks If you're reading this first of all I am late. I know this project has been out for a month now but it's still so heavily played everywhere I thought I would take a stab at my first music project review. Release dates are officially played out. Consumers want their music and want it now so they are going to hack the internet to get to it as quickly as possible. Dropping a project as Drake did so suddenly is the fast track to success now a days. In a day and age where all rappers sound the same Drake goes above and beyond to be different. Drake clearly separates himself from his peers as far as talent and creativity goes. He has also gained an immense amount of popularity over the years as well. It is very rare that when you drive down the street and every passing car is playing a different cut from your project. Its gotten to the point where you look bad if you have not heard the "New Drake." So with that being said lets see how Drake's new effort "If you're reading this its too late" stacks up. The Breakdown 1. Legend- I dont mind this song starting off the album or mixtape or whater this is. Basically Drake is just touting how if he were to die today he would already be a legend reminding all of us nineties babies he has already achieved more in his life than most of us ever will... sigh. Nose candy "Money taught me spanish make it andale" 2. Energy- Drake spits fire so effortlessly over producer Boi da 1' s track about all of the enemies he has accumulated only because he is a better rapper then them. He claims they are not worth his energy but...well I guess drake didn't try too hard on this song. Nose Candy "I got niggas i gotta pretend that I like but my acting days are over so fuck them niggas for life" 3. 10 bands- Drake lets us know how much money he has now that he is a rapper and to my calculations since he already had 90 bands more then what every normal person had before he was a rapper this leaves Drake with a grand total of 627 more bands than you. Nose Candy "My ex ask me where im moving too and i say on to better things" 4. Know Yourself -A real catchy hook that will stick in your head for days. Drake talks about how he doesn't understand why people don't like him if they dont know him and narrates his early days and how he and his friends would obtain money in Toronto. 5. No Tellin -Drake raps about how great his life is and how he still doesnt believe that this is all for him. I love beats with progression Boi da 1 did his thing with this one and Drake puts on a clinic with his punchlines. Nose Candy "Im looking in the mirror like is that really him" "My flow is on steroids i would never pass a physical" "If you're team was religious they still wouldn't cross us" "Think you are lions and tigers and bears i will put them heads on my fireplace" 6. Madonna -Another dope beat from 40 with a Genuwine "So Anxious" sample. where Drake tells a girl who he doesnt know he can make her famous as Madonna just by the fact that she is rolling with him. Then after the night is over to hurry up and get as far away from him as possible. The thing that is cool about this song is that Drake really sounds drunk so this is probably the way Drake talks to women when he is at the club. 7. 6 god -If this beat doesn't get you out of your seat and rapping lyrics in your mirror nothing will. Basically Drake tells us he is the king of Toronto for 3 minutes 8. Star 67- Drake taps into his Marvins Room phone theme. I love the fact he really did a star 69 and the beat changed for what now Drake is now becoming famous for is his ability to combine two songs into one. Im glad Drake only did this once on this project because he did that a lot on his last one. 9. Preach- Autotune lives! Another head bopping track as Party Next Door samples Henry Krinkles stay which is much better song than this. 10.Wednesday Night Interlude- Dont know why this is called an interlude since there is no skit taking place and seems like just another song on the album. But then again that maybe Drake's way of mindfucking us all to let everyone know he is smarter and from now on this is what a skit will be on rap projects. 11. Used To - Drake talks about how people love to talk about him behind his back. As Wayne comes in and takes over as he normally does with songs he does with his protege. Going all the way back to Ransom Wayne always seems to upstage Drake on tracks which is not easy to do but Wayne somehow does so effortlessly. Nose Candy Drake -"Jewels look like i follwed a treasure map" Wayne- "When you tell me im too famous to carry a gat i remind them of where im from" "I hot a halo over my devilhorns" "I got mind control over deebo" "Blood start shooting thats b roll" 12. 6 Man- I have no idea what is going on here Drake raps for 30 seconds about a lot of things he vows to never do then the instrumental plays for another 2 minutes Nose Candy "Im in the matrix and just took the blue pill" 13. Now and Forever -Another futuristic beat that only Drake has the guts to touch. This is my favorite track on this project because there is a deeper meaning of somewhat being trapped in your same situation and having the courage to be let free to see if you are capable of doing it on your own. Maybe I'm just playing to much into it but maybe this is Drake's way of saying deuces young money I'm doing straight OVO. 14. Company- Drake goes 2015 version of LL Cool J's I need love and opens up about how he wants a female aquantence to turn up with. Creative Force-Im still a dog cue actual dogs barking 15. You and the 6- Drake's Dear Mama joint. Drake praises his mother and Toronto for raising him as a single mother. Nose Candy "We do things people would pay to document but im not hear to give you compliments" "Never take advice that was some great advice" "I used to be made fun of because i was half black but now im not black enough" Creative Force-Drake says mama after every bar which is clever. 16. Jungle- A stand out track as Drake goes in over a mellow beat about how he hates being annoyed by women who would rather play on instagram instead of him. No but for real Drake is wondering if girls he has smashed in the past are still cool with him now that he is successful and does not want them anymore. Nose Candy "What are we supposed to do after we have done everything there is to do who is your replacement" 17. 6pm in New York- Drakes latest installment of a specific time in a certain city killing a freestyle. I love theese! Drake doesn't dissapoint with 4 minutes of freestyling hard over this unique boi da 1 beat. Nose Candy "My career is like a how to manual" "Being number two means your the first to lose" The Verdict Drake's creativity when it comes to song making is unparalleled. I think while so many are content with just putting out a project just to stay relevant or to please their label, Drake takes it personal as I like to call it. He is not satisfied with just putting out an album he wants to transcend music and change the culture of hip hop. I might have to give it a few more listens but this may be his best album. Making it a rare accomplishment to do in rap having every project be better then its predecessor. "The Six's Son" came through with an innovative sound and diverse subject matter to keep everybody vibing. |
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Caleb Raves Reviews "American Sniper"
American Sniper
Director-Clint Eastwood
Last Looks:
American Sniper is the real life story of Navy Seal and War hero Chris Kyle through his four stints fighting in the war in Iraq. After the trial finally concluded on the death of Chris Kyle I was happy for the family getting some kind of closure. I know there is no replacement for a fallen son, brother, husband , father war hero etc. I was just glad justice had been served. My thoughts and prayers are with the Kyle family. I also hope this experience opens up eyes on post war psychological disorders and encourages more to help veterans regain there stability and find a place in society.
The Breakdown:
American sniper begins with Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper) behind the scope of a gun when a woman and a child come into his vision. The woman hands the kid a grenade so Chris releases a shot and as soon as he does we cut to a young Chris Kyle and his father hunting a deer. Chris's dad stresses to him and his brother the difference between sheep, wolves and sheepdogs while inserting shots of Chris sticking up for his little brother in a playground fight. This is when Chris is instilled with the value of only using violence only when it is necessary.
We cut to an older Chris and his little brother performing as bull riding cowboys. When they make it back home Chris encounters his girlfriend having sex with another man. Chris immediately beats the guy up and kicks him out of the house. His girlfriend claims she only cheated to get attention and she is kicked out of the house also. Chris realizes his life as being a cowboy is going nowhere. He begins watching the news of the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings and it inspires him to become a Navy Seal. Chris goes through intense military training. Meanwhile at a bar Chris meets his soon to be wife Taya (Sienna Miller) and after a drinking game they begin dating. The more Chris and Taya get closer the more Chris's shooting ability begins to increase. Chris and Taya wake up one morning to watching the horrific events of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Chris knows he is going to have to go to war and decides that he and Taya should get married so they wed shortly after. Chris then begins begins his first tour of Iraq. We cut back to the first scene of the film where Chris sees the woman hand a grenade to the kid. Chris shoots the kid and the woman dead. We now learn that this marks Chris's first two kills and the woman and child were attacking U.S. Marines. Chris then becomes more comfortable being a sniper. It is starting to become apparent that Chris is killing more then all of the other snipers combined. While talking to Taya over the phone who is now pregnant, Chris begins to comfort her and downplay the fact he is killing people. Chris is finally told that his next target is the leader of al quaeda Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Chris and a team of Seals infiltrate a man that has insight on Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's right hand man nicknamed the butcher. While riding through Iraq Chris while on the phone with Taya is attacked she begins freaking out.
Chris goes back home and tries to get reacclimatized with society and with his wife who is almost due now. Taya begins to worry about Chris and his behavior. Chris wont talk about anything that happened in Iraq. Chris is starting to feel bad because even though he feels the obligation to his wife and his newborn son that he needs to be in Iraq serving his country and finishing the job he started. He feels the world carries on as if there is not a war going on. Chris goes back to Iraq for his second tour and begins his mission to find the butcher again. Cut to Chris after a few years with his son who is now a toddler. Chris is approached by a guy whose life he saved. While at a tire shop every loud noise begins to trigger an emotional response. Chris has another baby this time a girl. While watching his daughter in the newborn room Chris notices the nurses are not tending to his daughter who is crying and this makes Chris extremely upset. Taya tells Chris she feels alone because he is there physically but not mentally. She begins to tell him that the war is changing him. Chris goes back to Iraq for his third stint where his car is attacked again. The butcher shoots one of his seal members injuring him and killing another. The Seal team decides to regroup. While Chris and Taya lay in bed she finally asks him why does he do this. She is starting to unravel and lets him know that if he goes back to Iraq that her and the kids wont be there when he gets back. A shaken Chris goes back to Iraq for his fourth tour. He calls his wife just to hear her voice and to tell his kids that he loves them. Chris knows the butcher is close and knows this is his time to strike however his comrades inform Chris he needs to stand down because they are not well equipped for a battle but Chris feels he has the kill and goes for it. Chris kills the butcher but it gives away his teams cover and they are immediately attacked. In an intense shootout the Seal crew looks outnumbered. Chris calls his wife and tells her that he is ready to come home. The crew is then rescued by a manufactured sandstorm and Chris returns home for good.
Chris sits in front of a blank television screen but all he hears is the shootouts of war in Iraq and helicopters instead of his kids playing. Chris sees a dog taking down his son and Chris immediately tries to kill the dog until he is stopped by his wife. Taya sets Chris up with a psychiatrist. Chris had spent over 1000 days and had over 160 kills while in Iraq. Chris justifies his killing because he was saving his US soldiers and protecting the country he loves. Chris is inspired to help a group of wounded veterans and begins to learn to appreciate life after Iraq and how to live life to its fullest again. Chris and his family move to a new house. Chris begins to regain his normality and plays with his kids regularly now. He teaches his son how to hunt. Chris and his wife also regain their intimacy where Taya tells Chris she is happy to have her husband back. Chris tells Taya that he is going to the shooting range with some of the wounded veterans. The film ends informing us that Chris is killed later on that day.
Nose candy:
1. " 3 types of people sheep wolves and sheepdogs" -Wayne Kyle
2. Basically every line in the Navy Seal training scene
3. " Im making memories by myself with no one to share them with even when you are here you are not here. I see you feel you but you are not here." -Taya Kyle
4. "The thing that haunts me the most are all the guys I couldn't save."
" Im coming home." -Chris Kyle
Performances:
Sienna Mille-Normally the wife in these movies gets the reputation of she was only the housewife. I beg to differ Mille had an incredible transformation from the sassy young girl taking shots at the bar to the nuturing mother who was an emotional wreck trying to get her husband to return back to normality. She showed great range and had remarkable performance.
Bradley Cooper- Hands down this was the best Bradley Cooper performance I have ever seen. I think everyone knows he is a comedic genius from movies such as Wedding Crashers and The Hangover franchise. Even though I know this was not his first, American Sniper was the first ever dramatic role Ive seen him in and he was brilliant. From the party going cowboy to the courageous war hero to the traumatized veteran to the loving family man. Cooper transitioned through out this film very well. The scene when Cooper was in the delivery room going irate at the nurses failing to tend to his daughter was incredible. Cooper's best actor nomination at the Academy Awards was well deserved. The Kyle family should be proud.
Style Points:
I thought American Sniper was very well shot. I enjoyed the through the scope shots as one of the biggest unfair criticisms of this film was that this movie glorified Chris Kyle killing women and children. But this shot explained the harsh realities of war and put you in Kyle's position. It's not that Kyle wanted to kill he was put in the situation to save his fellow soldiers as well as protect his country. Even though I never experienced military training, I think those shots were done well as it showed all Kyle had to go through just to be a sniper. The catch up method was cool. Aside-There is probably some real good film term for just the "catch up" method but this is when the film begins with a scene from the movie then reverts back to an initial point then revisits that scene at some later point in the movie. I thought that was significant because we saw the relevance of that first scene as that was what marked Kyle's first two kills. I thought another cool shot was when one of Kyle's fellow soldiers was shot so Kyle put him in the back of the trunk and the next few minutes was in the dark as the car rode trying to escape a violent war zone.
In any movie where there is a lot of shooting and explosions, it is easy for directors to overdue it with special effects but I thought it was good that there was not much through out the this film until Kyle's shot that killed the Butcher. The way the shot was slowed down as it maneuvered through the air until it finally landed made that moment stand out so much more as finally Kyle's mission was complete. Even though it was kind of hard to see and keep up with all of the action the sandstorm rescue scene provided a lot of chaos and suspense. It kept me as a viewer interested as I forgot I was watching a movie for a split second and was beginning to think was the navy seal team even going to make it out alive. The overhead bedroom shots with Kyle and Taya were good too as the couple poured out their true feelings towards each other. Also one of my favorite shots was the scene when Kyle came home for good and he was sitting in his living room in front of the blank television screen with his kids playing so loudly behind him but all Kyle could hear was gunshots and helicopters. I was literally looking around the theatre like is anyone else watching what I am watching? Really what better way to showcase how traumatized Kyle was after his journey. Finally the original footage of Kyle's funeral was well inserted to end the film. I think it is always good to remind us as viewers the impact or legacy Kyle left behind by providing real footage of all the support and commemoration.
The Verdict:
American Sniper is a great portrayel of War Hero Chris Kyle. I think Clint Eastwood did a great job bringing this story to life which is not always the easiest thing to do from adaptions from books. The thing I like about this film was that it was more then just a war film. It is about family and also the struggles veterans face when they return to society. I think one thing great movies do is make you change views on things or make you realize something that you may have never noticed. I had that revelation in a scene when Kyle returned home from his first stint in Iraq where Kyle was claiming as if the whole world continues on as if there is not a war going on and he had trouble adjusting to life because he felt that his purpose was defending his country. I think so many times society me included take our military so much for granted. No that they are looking for a pat on the back or brownie points for every little thing but they are not shown nearlllyyy enough grattitude and respect for their effort. I would like to thank all of the armed forces for everything they do to protect me and my family as well as this country. If you are looking for a film that is action packed with great acting performances as well as some sentimental moments this film definitely does not disappoint.
Director-Clint Eastwood
Last Looks:
American Sniper is the real life story of Navy Seal and War hero Chris Kyle through his four stints fighting in the war in Iraq. After the trial finally concluded on the death of Chris Kyle I was happy for the family getting some kind of closure. I know there is no replacement for a fallen son, brother, husband , father war hero etc. I was just glad justice had been served. My thoughts and prayers are with the Kyle family. I also hope this experience opens up eyes on post war psychological disorders and encourages more to help veterans regain there stability and find a place in society.
The Breakdown:
American sniper begins with Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper) behind the scope of a gun when a woman and a child come into his vision. The woman hands the kid a grenade so Chris releases a shot and as soon as he does we cut to a young Chris Kyle and his father hunting a deer. Chris's dad stresses to him and his brother the difference between sheep, wolves and sheepdogs while inserting shots of Chris sticking up for his little brother in a playground fight. This is when Chris is instilled with the value of only using violence only when it is necessary.
We cut to an older Chris and his little brother performing as bull riding cowboys. When they make it back home Chris encounters his girlfriend having sex with another man. Chris immediately beats the guy up and kicks him out of the house. His girlfriend claims she only cheated to get attention and she is kicked out of the house also. Chris realizes his life as being a cowboy is going nowhere. He begins watching the news of the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings and it inspires him to become a Navy Seal. Chris goes through intense military training. Meanwhile at a bar Chris meets his soon to be wife Taya (Sienna Miller) and after a drinking game they begin dating. The more Chris and Taya get closer the more Chris's shooting ability begins to increase. Chris and Taya wake up one morning to watching the horrific events of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Chris knows he is going to have to go to war and decides that he and Taya should get married so they wed shortly after. Chris then begins begins his first tour of Iraq. We cut back to the first scene of the film where Chris sees the woman hand a grenade to the kid. Chris shoots the kid and the woman dead. We now learn that this marks Chris's first two kills and the woman and child were attacking U.S. Marines. Chris then becomes more comfortable being a sniper. It is starting to become apparent that Chris is killing more then all of the other snipers combined. While talking to Taya over the phone who is now pregnant, Chris begins to comfort her and downplay the fact he is killing people. Chris is finally told that his next target is the leader of al quaeda Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Chris and a team of Seals infiltrate a man that has insight on Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's right hand man nicknamed the butcher. While riding through Iraq Chris while on the phone with Taya is attacked she begins freaking out.
Chris goes back home and tries to get reacclimatized with society and with his wife who is almost due now. Taya begins to worry about Chris and his behavior. Chris wont talk about anything that happened in Iraq. Chris is starting to feel bad because even though he feels the obligation to his wife and his newborn son that he needs to be in Iraq serving his country and finishing the job he started. He feels the world carries on as if there is not a war going on. Chris goes back to Iraq for his second tour and begins his mission to find the butcher again. Cut to Chris after a few years with his son who is now a toddler. Chris is approached by a guy whose life he saved. While at a tire shop every loud noise begins to trigger an emotional response. Chris has another baby this time a girl. While watching his daughter in the newborn room Chris notices the nurses are not tending to his daughter who is crying and this makes Chris extremely upset. Taya tells Chris she feels alone because he is there physically but not mentally. She begins to tell him that the war is changing him. Chris goes back to Iraq for his third stint where his car is attacked again. The butcher shoots one of his seal members injuring him and killing another. The Seal team decides to regroup. While Chris and Taya lay in bed she finally asks him why does he do this. She is starting to unravel and lets him know that if he goes back to Iraq that her and the kids wont be there when he gets back. A shaken Chris goes back to Iraq for his fourth tour. He calls his wife just to hear her voice and to tell his kids that he loves them. Chris knows the butcher is close and knows this is his time to strike however his comrades inform Chris he needs to stand down because they are not well equipped for a battle but Chris feels he has the kill and goes for it. Chris kills the butcher but it gives away his teams cover and they are immediately attacked. In an intense shootout the Seal crew looks outnumbered. Chris calls his wife and tells her that he is ready to come home. The crew is then rescued by a manufactured sandstorm and Chris returns home for good.
Chris sits in front of a blank television screen but all he hears is the shootouts of war in Iraq and helicopters instead of his kids playing. Chris sees a dog taking down his son and Chris immediately tries to kill the dog until he is stopped by his wife. Taya sets Chris up with a psychiatrist. Chris had spent over 1000 days and had over 160 kills while in Iraq. Chris justifies his killing because he was saving his US soldiers and protecting the country he loves. Chris is inspired to help a group of wounded veterans and begins to learn to appreciate life after Iraq and how to live life to its fullest again. Chris and his family move to a new house. Chris begins to regain his normality and plays with his kids regularly now. He teaches his son how to hunt. Chris and his wife also regain their intimacy where Taya tells Chris she is happy to have her husband back. Chris tells Taya that he is going to the shooting range with some of the wounded veterans. The film ends informing us that Chris is killed later on that day.
Nose candy:
1. " 3 types of people sheep wolves and sheepdogs" -Wayne Kyle
2. Basically every line in the Navy Seal training scene
3. " Im making memories by myself with no one to share them with even when you are here you are not here. I see you feel you but you are not here." -Taya Kyle
4. "The thing that haunts me the most are all the guys I couldn't save."
" Im coming home." -Chris Kyle
Performances:
Sienna Mille-Normally the wife in these movies gets the reputation of she was only the housewife. I beg to differ Mille had an incredible transformation from the sassy young girl taking shots at the bar to the nuturing mother who was an emotional wreck trying to get her husband to return back to normality. She showed great range and had remarkable performance.
Bradley Cooper- Hands down this was the best Bradley Cooper performance I have ever seen. I think everyone knows he is a comedic genius from movies such as Wedding Crashers and The Hangover franchise. Even though I know this was not his first, American Sniper was the first ever dramatic role Ive seen him in and he was brilliant. From the party going cowboy to the courageous war hero to the traumatized veteran to the loving family man. Cooper transitioned through out this film very well. The scene when Cooper was in the delivery room going irate at the nurses failing to tend to his daughter was incredible. Cooper's best actor nomination at the Academy Awards was well deserved. The Kyle family should be proud.
Style Points:
I thought American Sniper was very well shot. I enjoyed the through the scope shots as one of the biggest unfair criticisms of this film was that this movie glorified Chris Kyle killing women and children. But this shot explained the harsh realities of war and put you in Kyle's position. It's not that Kyle wanted to kill he was put in the situation to save his fellow soldiers as well as protect his country. Even though I never experienced military training, I think those shots were done well as it showed all Kyle had to go through just to be a sniper. The catch up method was cool. Aside-There is probably some real good film term for just the "catch up" method but this is when the film begins with a scene from the movie then reverts back to an initial point then revisits that scene at some later point in the movie. I thought that was significant because we saw the relevance of that first scene as that was what marked Kyle's first two kills. I thought another cool shot was when one of Kyle's fellow soldiers was shot so Kyle put him in the back of the trunk and the next few minutes was in the dark as the car rode trying to escape a violent war zone.
In any movie where there is a lot of shooting and explosions, it is easy for directors to overdue it with special effects but I thought it was good that there was not much through out the this film until Kyle's shot that killed the Butcher. The way the shot was slowed down as it maneuvered through the air until it finally landed made that moment stand out so much more as finally Kyle's mission was complete. Even though it was kind of hard to see and keep up with all of the action the sandstorm rescue scene provided a lot of chaos and suspense. It kept me as a viewer interested as I forgot I was watching a movie for a split second and was beginning to think was the navy seal team even going to make it out alive. The overhead bedroom shots with Kyle and Taya were good too as the couple poured out their true feelings towards each other. Also one of my favorite shots was the scene when Kyle came home for good and he was sitting in his living room in front of the blank television screen with his kids playing so loudly behind him but all Kyle could hear was gunshots and helicopters. I was literally looking around the theatre like is anyone else watching what I am watching? Really what better way to showcase how traumatized Kyle was after his journey. Finally the original footage of Kyle's funeral was well inserted to end the film. I think it is always good to remind us as viewers the impact or legacy Kyle left behind by providing real footage of all the support and commemoration.
The Verdict:
American Sniper is a great portrayel of War Hero Chris Kyle. I think Clint Eastwood did a great job bringing this story to life which is not always the easiest thing to do from adaptions from books. The thing I like about this film was that it was more then just a war film. It is about family and also the struggles veterans face when they return to society. I think one thing great movies do is make you change views on things or make you realize something that you may have never noticed. I had that revelation in a scene when Kyle returned home from his first stint in Iraq where Kyle was claiming as if the whole world continues on as if there is not a war going on and he had trouble adjusting to life because he felt that his purpose was defending his country. I think so many times society me included take our military so much for granted. No that they are looking for a pat on the back or brownie points for every little thing but they are not shown nearlllyyy enough grattitude and respect for their effort. I would like to thank all of the armed forces for everything they do to protect me and my family as well as this country. If you are looking for a film that is action packed with great acting performances as well as some sentimental moments this film definitely does not disappoint.
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