Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: American Sniper (2014)

What is it about? 

The life of Chris Kyle as be looks to balance his four tours in the Iraqi War and his family life back at home in the United States. 

Who is in it? 

Bradley Cooper - Chris Kyle

Sienna Miller - Taya

Favorite Scene: 

After taking out a man looking to launch a missile to do harm, Kyle watches a young boy runs over to the fallen weapon and heaves it unto his shoulder. Kyle struggles with the idea that he may have to shoot this boy as well, begging and pleading to himself for the boy to drop the weapon. 

Favorite Quote: 

"The thing that, uh... haunts me are all the guys that I couldn't save."

"I'm willing to meet my creator and answer for every shot that I took..."

Review:

Going into American Solider, all I had to go one was the impressive reputation it developed and of course the controversy surrounding how it depicted Iraqi's and possibly being in the realm of "American propaganda" I had no idea of Chris Kyle and his story. 

After the film, I'm glad I watched it for myself as the film educated me on the man that was Chris Kyle, his contributions to this nation, and of course, the fact that the film is indeed a great one. 

American Sniper is a great story that offers a window into the mind and soul of a man who is battled with something greater than just defending our country - defending the soldiers who defend this country. It's a good film that educates and reminds us of the sacrifices that individuals make, and more importantly, that families make for freedoms we often take for granted. 

As for the compliments to Bradley Cooper, he deserves every bit of it. At some point throughout the movie, you lose yourself in the character, and that in itself says it all about Cooper's performance. 

Yup, it's exactly as advertised. Great film. Watch if you have the chance. 

Grade: 3/5

Recently Read

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide.  Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review:  Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't.  What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...

Remembering Hulkamania

What a complicated mess this news leaves me in. Hulk Hogan. Dead. At 71. I was never a fan of Hogan (in the world of pro wrestling)…I was a Macho Man Randy Savage guy, and later on, a Bret Hart guy (and still am). But like every other wrestling fan from the ’80s through now, Hulk Hogan’s presence and legend are undeniable.  Terry Bolea transcended wrestling as Hulk Hogan and helped the art form take its first step into the mainstream of pop culture.  He later reinvented the business once again with the greatest heel turn ever at Bash at the Beach 1996. Many have changed the business once, but twice? Significantly?! Hogan’s run as Hulkamania and as Hollywood makes a case for the best to ever do it - I can't think of anyone on such a high level on both sides of the pro wrestling coin as a babyface and heel. Every pro wrestling Mount Rushmore (as dumb as these lists have become) includes Hulk Hogan, period. But Hogan is also so instrumental in my ever-evolving ability to separate...

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Hello, I Must Be Going (2012)

What is it about? A woman moves back in with her parents following a shocking divorce. An unlikely affair with a younger guy revives her life and perspective on marriage. Who is in it? Melanie Lynskey - Amy Christopher Abbott - Jeremy Blythe Danner - Ruth Favorite Scene: Amy's dad, who is often much easier on her than her mom, comes to her bedside and gives her some money. She refuses, then he insists. She then asks, "whose happiness are you buying?" Favorite Quote: Where the f** is 'bottom'? Where the motherf***ing f*** is motherf***ing 'bottom'? Review: Hello, I Must Be Going was an interesting watch. I've always found Melanie Lynskey to be an intriguing actor, and her role in this was just that.  What makes this film so interesting is that, going into the film, you believed this would be a film documenting Amy's journey from recent divorcee into...well, wherever it is she goes. The beauty of this film is that Amy's journey was just a public...