Entertainment

Film Review: American Sniper

Published

11 years ago

January 12, 2015

Oakland Post

Luke Grimes and Cory Hardrict as play young G.I. s in the war drama American Sniper.

By Dwight Brown
NNPA Film Critic

This well-produced but flawed bio/war/drama follows the armed forces career and subsequent malaise of ex- Navy Seal Chris Kyle. He was a legendary sniper who did four tours of duty in Iraq. His steely, icy demeanor gave him a steady aim, but didn’t protect him from the fragile aftermath of war, particularly Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The film fluctuates between his achievements in battle and is ordeal back home.

Telling Kyle’s story is the purview of filmmaker Clint Eastwood, who directed Flags of Our Fathers and Letters From Iwo Jima and is well acquainted with the war film genre. As was the case with those aforementioned films, Eastwood’s style is never climactic. He prefers a moderate pace and a straightforward style that doesn’t add anything new to the game. Helicopters buzz over Iraq. Soldiers on both sides of the battle are killed. But nothing stands out and everything appears routine, considering it’s war. The proceedings lack the verve and staccato pacing that made Katherine Bigelow’s Zero Dark Thirty a jaw-dropping experience. His languishing, overly choreographed, and pat approach makes the footage feel flat and undistinguished.

After a grueling training, Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper) becomes a Navy Seal sniper. A sharp shooter as a kid, his skill peaks in Iraq where, he can protect platoons by accurately shooting a hostile target from as far away as a football field. Deadeye? The man kills 160 insurgents. When fellow soldiers praise him, Kyle is never less then humble. His subdued demeanor is the exact opposite of the anger and rage he incites from enemy forces who put a price on his head. No wonder they call him “Legend.”

Kyle’s Navy Seals, who’ve teamed up with brave Marines, find something to focus on in the helter skelter war. It’s the demonic Al Qaeda terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and his maniacal partner The Butcher (Mido Hamada); the latter tortures victims and snitches with power drills. As Kyle and his crew hone in on the new enemies, a sharpshooter, whose talents rival Kyle’s, scopes them out. Mustafa (Sammy Sheik), a Syrian sniper, has Kyle and his men in his crosshairs. First one to pull the trigger wins.

The script by Jason Hall, based on the bestselling autobiography by the real Chris Kyle with Scott McEwen and Jim DeFelice, has plenty of slow, forward motion. When things get too tense, the plotline throws in a flashback for relief. Kyle meeting his soon-to-be-wife Taya (Sienna Miller) in a bar, trips back home on leave, the birth of two sons, phone calls from the front lines; these mini scenes flesh out the imperfect human man behind the perfect aim – to varied affect.

You get a vague sense of the soul of this heroic soldier who tries to balance a dangerous existence with an infrequent family life. But it’s hard to feel compassion for him. He’s too strong a man. If the story followed a weaker person, perhaps a less successful marksman trying to prove himself with a save-the-day shot, he’d be a more compelling protagonist. As is, there’s an emotional shield around Kyle that is impenetrable, even as he descends into a living hell: “It’s not the people you saved that you remember. It’s the ones you couldn’t save. Those are the faces and situations that stay with you forever.”

Bradley Cooper’s performances are not known for their range. He lacks the emotional wallop and elasticity of a Christian Bale. He’s O.K. as the goof in the Hangover series. He stumbled across a golden opportunity with Silver Linings Playbook and turned that part, as an ex-mental patient with a bipolar disorder, into the role of a lifetime. However, he does nothing to get you under the skin of Chris Kyle. Nothing. He packed on weight for the role, but that girth isn’t a substitute for an intuitive or gifted character interpretation.

Sienna Miller, in only glimpses as the reluctant girlfriend turned into the concerned wife/mother, shows more depth and proves far more capable of cementing her dutiful and increasingly alarmed spouse persona. She is Kyle’s only beacon out of his darkness. She is believable. Ben Reed as Wayne Kyle, the weaker younger brother, acts the part; never as strong, smart or good as his sibling. Sammy Sheik (Lone Survivor and TV’s 24) as the stealth shooter Mustafa rarely speaks but powerfully commands the screen. Luke Grimes (Taken 2) and Cory Hardrict (Gran Torino) as play young buck soldiers with a very credible G.I. swagger

Tom Stern’s (Changeling) cinematography, Joel Cox (Unforgiven) and Gary Roach’s editing and the production design by Charisse Cardenas and James J. Murakami (Changeling) make the visuals impressionable. If the film has any air of realism, it’s because of their contributions. Clint Eastwood composed “Taya’s Theme,” the main theme music, which enhances the film in the right places. His taste in music is impeccable.

There will be better films that explore PSTD. They’ll be better if they focus on a sympathetic soldier and not a cold-blooded killer. They’ll be better if a filmmaker with more vigor and innovation directs them. Also, if you see this film and walk out the theater feeling like you just watched 134 minutes of pro-war propaganda, it means the film failed as a character study because it spent too much time on the battlefield.

Visit NNPA Film Critic Dwight Brown at DwightBrownInk.com.

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Alameda County

The Marin City Flea Market Is Back

The Marin City Flea Market returns on May 23, offering arts, crafts, vintage items, and collectibles. The market aims to uplift local vendors and celebrate cultural diversity.

Published

5 days ago

May 15, 2026

Oakland Post

Customers shopping in Marin City Flea Market. Photo courtesy of marincityflea.org.

By Godfrey Lee

After a long absence, Marin City will once again hold its flea market. The market will have its grand opening on Saturday, May 23, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. Andrew Presbyterian Church parking lot on 101 Donahue St. It will be held every fourth Saturday of the month

The market will be free to the public

There will be arts, crafts, vintage, collectibles, and other items on sale at the market. Interested vendors can contact info@marincityflea.org or text (415) 484-2984 for more information.

“The Marin City Flea Market’s mission is to uplift local vendors, celebrate cultural diversity, and provide an accessible community space where creativity, entrepreneurship, and connection can thrive,” says their website, marincityflea.org.

The flea market is sponsored and run by the Rotary Club of Marin City.

For more information, contact info@marincityflea.org. Or text to (415) 484-2984

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Alameda County

Mayor Barbara Lee Declares ‘Delroy Lindo Day,’ Presents Acclaimed Actor with Key to the City

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee honored acclaimed actor Delroy Lindo with the Key to the City and declared “Delroy Lindo Day” to celebrate his contributions to film, television, and theater.

Published

5 days ago

May 15, 2026

Oakland Post

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee presents Oakland actor Delroy Lindo the key to the cCity Council chambers of Oakland City Hall in downtown Oakland. Photo by Carla Thomas.

By Carla Thomas

Oakland honored one of its most distinguished residents on May 6 as Mayor Barbara Lee presented acclaimed actor Delroy Lindo with the Key to the City and an official proclamation declaring “Delroy Lindo Day.”

The event, titled “Rooted in Legacy: Honoring Delroy Lindo,” took place at Oakland City Hall and brought together community leaders, artists, and young people for an evening centered on storytelling, cultural pride, and intergenerational connection.

Lindo, a critically acclaimed artist who lives in Oakland, was recognized for his extensive contributions to film, television, and theater, as well as his impact on the global African diaspora. Most recently the Oscar-nominated artist was recognized for his phenomenal role as a bluesman in Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” a winner both critically and at the box office.

His celebrated body of work included roles in “Unprisoned,” “Malcolm X”, “Clockers,” “Get Shorty,” and ”Da 5 Bloods,” among others.

“He’s brought depth, inspiration, and authenticity to the screen,” said Lee.

The program highlighted both Lindo’s artistic legacy and his influence as a mentor. A centerpiece of the evening was an intimate fireside conversation between MLee and Lindo.

“I am a living, breathing example of somebody who has achieved the American Dream,” said Lindo. “The other side of that is I walk through the world as a Black man of African descent.”

At 5 years of age, Lindo played King Balthazar in a Nativity play. And years later on Easter of 1973 in New York the Negro Ensemble Company’s play, “The River Niger” left a great impact on him.

“Seeing that production and so many Blacks in the audience, gave me an understanding that maybe I could have a career as an actor,” said Lindo.

Students from the Oakland School for the Arts delivered powerful monologues, adding a dynamic and emotional layer to the program. The students’ instructor, Tavia Percia, chairman of the school’s theatre department, watched the performance proudly. Their performances emphasized the importance of arts education and demonstrated the next generation of talent inspired by figures like Lindo.

Five young men from All Tied Up Academy had the honor of presenting the “Rooted in Legacy” plaque to Lindo with Lee.

The evening also featured a cinematic showcase of Lindo’s work, offering a retrospective glimpse into his decades-long career.

The Golden State Warriors presented Lindo with a custom jersey, symbolizing the city’s appreciation for his contributions both on and off the screen.

The highlight of the evening came as Lee formally presented Lindo with the Key to the City and read the proclamation establishing “Delroy Lindo Day.” The recognition marked not only his artistic achievements but also his enduring connection to Oakland and his commitment to community engagement.

Celebrities, including filmmaker Ryan Coogler, congratulated Lindo via a video presentation. Lindo did not hold back the tears of gratitude. “I carry Oakland with me wherever I go,” said. Lindo, who is Jamaican via the UK, said he chose the Bay Area to call home with his wife and raise his son.

When young men who grew up with his son entered the council chambers, Lindo welcomed them to the stage for a hug and acknowledgement. “These young men are all honorable. I’ve watched them grow up, and they are the future,” he said. “These are three people that give me hope for this country.”

Addressing the audience, Lindo said, “You are part of the infrastructure of my life. My life would not be as it is without you. You give me more than I give you. Wherever I go, I bring Oakland with me.”

advised everyone to push past negativity of the world.

“Hold onto your dreams, particularly now in this country being fed the constant narrative that ‘we are less than,’ because we know we are more than. And kudos to Mayor Lee at the forefront for decades repping us for Oakland and America.”

“Everyone, hold fast to your purpose and charge as a human being and to the young; go for yours!”

Lindo thanked his many fans, friends, and family in the audience. Attendees included broadcaster Dave Clark, attorney John Burris, former Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, Dr. Albert Brooks who delivered his son, and First African Methodist Episcopal Church Rev. Rodney Smith. Screenwriter David Webb Peoples, who gave him his first film role in Australia, “The Blood of Heroes, was also in attendance.