The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Based on the memoirs of a real-life U.S Navy SEAL, American Sniper is a vivid and intense story of a sniper who became renowned for the one-hundred and sixty confirmed kills obtained during his four tours in Iraq.

The story is centred on the Texan born and bred patriot, Chris Kyle (Cooper); a rodeo-loving, farm-boy who has been raised with a firm belief in moral justice. After watching the harrowing events of the bombings of the U.S embassies in Eastern Africa, Chris decides to join the Navy SEALS, as a way of offering his support and undying service to the country that he loves.

Shortly after, he meets Taya (Miller); a girl who has vowed never to date a marine but goes ahead and does just that.  It’s not long before they decide to marry and raise a family; however, after yet another attack on America – and this time on its own soil on September 11, 2001 –Chris is deployed to serve his country in Iraq.

It is there that he earns the title of ‘The Legend’ – thanks to his sharp eye and incredible precision – soon becoming one of the most proficient snipers in U.S military history.  However, his so-called ‘talent’ soon brings the unwanted attention of an equally relentless Iraqi sniper, while life at home begins to show signs of strain. 

Attempting to portray the emotional turmoil of war and the internal psychological struggles that follow, American Sniper, unfortunately, chooses to illustrate, and perhaps even celebrate, war as spectacle, completely diverting the film from a character-driven drama and turning it into just another full-blown and relentless war-thriller.

Having been criticised by many for its perceived rhetoric as over-patriotic, pseudo-propaganda, Eastwood – who stepped in to direct after Spielberg withdrew – does manage to infuse just enough tension and grit into the proceedings, but the fact that the script takes many creative liberties with the actual story only further serves to undermine the film.

Equipped with a southern-twang and forty pounds of muscle, Cooper embraces his role with a great amount of seriousness and commitment. The action is executed well and there is enough of it to keep trigger-happy audience satisfied, but its heavy-hand and surprisingly cheesy and overly dramatic set-ups – not to mention laughable props – tell a different story; one that mght well  leave you feeling bowled over and bemused.