American snipper

Rating: 1/10 (10 February 2015)

Just returned from the cinema in a state of disbelief at the movie I have just seen. Now I was under no illusion prior to sitting down that what I was about to see may involve some fluttering Stars and Stripes but.....this piece of work has to be one of the most one dimensional films I have ever seen.
Was this intentional? the characters and their journeys were so straightforward and predictable that I actually began to see virtual signposts with every development of this 'story'. Surely Eastwood and the writer must have realized this, or perhaps an aging Eastwood is not capable anymore. Kyle's compatriots were introduced and disposed of with little commotion.
The script was simple. The casting was questionable. Miller was stifled, Cooper was chugging around the place like a chuck Norris with a speech impediment.
who was it aimed at? clearly not me or anyone else that questions what they see at the flicks. If Kyle did really see everything in 'black and white' then this movie is bang on the money. There are no grey areas for the viewer to ask questions or relate to anything they see. Therefore, I can only assume that the filmmakers were aiming squarely at current or returning servicemen and their families. In which case, how and why should this movie be gaining traction as a piece of entertainment?
The war scenes seemed gritty and real and several set pieces held tension. But I'm still incredulous that this has been nominated for any award let alone an Oscar.
Don't see it if you have a moral heart. Do see it if you are a teenage boy from Texas who wants to walk out the cinema with a hard on.