American Made: Cast, crew, & subplots working beautifully together

Rating: 8/10 (20 October 2017)

The film has a dual-function title: Tom Cruise's character, based on Barry Seal (a maverick TWA pilot), is American born – and his fate is sealed (he's 'made') by a government assignment which tragically goes public.
The story opens with former president Jimmy Carter's broadcast- address 'The Crisis of Confidence' (which is fully available online). During it, Carter states that "For the first time in the history of our country, a majority of our people believe, that the next five years, will be worse than the past five years."
The lives of Seal and his family are soon better, then worse than, their prior years. Seal is recruited by the CIA to 'serve his county' in a dangerously unsafe fashion. Barry's to fly for the fictitious company 'Independent Aviation Consultants', piloting the fastest prop-engine plane in the world to take reconnaissance pictures. Over time, his cargo will include drugs, AK47 rifles, and more cash than he's able to stash. He shuttles these items while risking his life in many countries. The scene with the first 'coke lift' to America has great music playing beneath it.
In one flight over El Salvador, an anti-aircraft gun blows out the left engine. Panama and Colombia are other nations, with which Barry Seal must deal. He first deploys airdrops of well-wrapped cocaine to America in Miami. Louisiana and Arkansas later unknowingly host drop-off spots for the illegal cargo. After delivering the cocaine, Seal must scrub the cargo hatch with a liquid chemical, to cover the scent of his delivered packages from dogs, used to detect the odor of illegally transported drugs.
Seal and his wife Debby soon attempt a normal family life – with three children as time passes – while Barry continues as a runner of guns, drugs, and money. Debby's brother JB becomes part of the enterprise, and at one point Ronald Reagan replaces Carter as president. Three planes (snowbirds) are required for transport of all the drugs. JB allows his mind to overlook the constant danger he's in; Barry is informed that the JB problem will be resolved without his involvement.
With a disco beat, the final movement of Beethoven's 9th Symphony plays, as planes shuttle more illicit cargo. I believe "MENA 1982" was superimposed on the screen while this action and music played. This device, of showing locations (here a city in Arkansas), and the then-current year, helps viewers keep track of what's happening and when.
Cruise is magnificent throughout this work's breakneck speed, as is everyone else. A popular promo scene (while Bill Clinton is governor of Arkansas) is when Seal's in custody amidst ATF, DEA, FBI, and State Police personnel, wanting to claim him as their own detainee. While an enjoyable and intriguing film for some, it's also not suitable for the palate of others.