Cruise flies under the radar in one of the best movies of the year

Rating: 9/10 (11 January 2018)

American made
Loosely based on the exploits of Barry Seal an airline pilot who was recruited by the CIA in 1978.
I say loosely because this film would seem too far fetched if it wasn't actually based on true events.
His task was to photograph facilities in Central America before he realised he could make more money trafficking drugs for the Medellin Cartel who were associated with Pablo Escobar.
When I say a lot more money, I really do mean this as the bags of cash soon begin to pile up in what becomes a thoroughly enjoyable movie.
Tom Cruise hasn't been this good in years. The light hearted and comedic approach of this film allows Cruise to have a good time with his role as Barry Seal and he gets to exercise those acting chops of his.
He owns every second he is on screen and carries this film to the heights of one of the years most entertaining movies.
Director Doug Liman's film grabs you from the opening frame and takes you on an adventure that doesn't let up until the credits role.
Obviously Seals exploits are overly exaggerated but the way in which both director and star deliver this excellent piece of cinema allows the audience to laugh,gasp and cry as the main character stumbles from one fortune to another.
Things don't always go so well for our leading man and that's what really rivets the audience.
There's only so many times you can role the dice and Lady Luck won't stay by your side forever.
A film that is ultimately as sad as it is funny, showing how greedy we are as a species.
A rather thought provoking moment is when Cruise's character is handed the umpteenth large bag of cash as reward for his cooperation with the Cartel.
Cruise almost sighs as he realises he has nowhere else to put all the money.
Hilarious when he his forced to bury it in his garden only for his dog to dig it back up.
Seal casually says "I'll rake it up in the morning" when his wife tells him there's notes blowing all over the garden.
American made is a movie that reminded me of Spielberg's Catch me If you can. Another flick loosely based on the adventures of a character that seems too large for real life.
An absolute blast from start to finish. American made is a must see and a refreshing change to have Tom Cruise in a role such as this.