Impressive story and stunning acting from Tom Cruise

Rating: 8/10 (24 December 2017)

Tom Cruise continues to prove his worth as an A-List actor in this film based on the true story of Barry Seal, an American Pilot turned DEA agent and drug smuggler in the 70s-80s. The film can be praised for the brilliant acting from Tom Cruise, as well as the telling of the story in an organic yet simple manner, taking the viewers across a decade of Seal's life seamlessly.
Having watched many Tom Cruise films, such as the Mission: Impossible movies and Edge Of Tomorrow, I had high expectations watching American Made. The film definitely did not disappoint. Even though the film is not so action-heavy like most Tom Cruise films, Tom Cruise plays his character of Barry Seal, a smug man way in over his head who, on more than one occasion, bites of more than he can chew. It's a little jarring to hear Tom with a southern twang, and at times he has a bit of difficulty maintaining it, reverting to whatever his natural accent is (I'm not American so the difference is probably more obvious to Americans). Still, other than the twang there's really nothing to fault about Tom's acting.
Doug Liman, who has previously worked with Tom Cruise, directs the film very well, giving it an almost indie, homely feel at times. Shaky cameras and quick transitions between scenes help to evoke this. His choice to have Barry Seal narrating at times does seem a little strange at times, mainly since it's not nearly frequent or consistent enough. Still, the choice to give the film this more indie look is quite clever, especially given that the film's material is based around a simple man.
Personally I thought the film's pacing could have been a little better. Sometimes the film does go a little fast, especially at the start, which holds it back from a 9 or 10 star rating in my opinion. Still, the film is a very quality watch, and I definitely recommend it for action-fans looking for a gripping true story.