LAST WEEK, AMERICAN Sniper received six Academy Awards nominations.
Directed by Clint Eastwood, the film stars Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in US military history and is based on Kyle’s own memoirs.
The film opened in the United States over the weekend and has caused quite a stir.
Why the fuss?
It basically defied all box office expectations and earned $90.2 million over the weekend, breaking several records in the process.
It posted the highest opening for a January release ever, as well as the highest ever opening for a studio drama. Both Bradley Cooper and Clint Eastwood also enjoyed their highest box office weekend ever.
And it’s proven popular outside the United States as well.
It earned £2.37 million in the UK, making it Clint Eastwood’s biggest ever opening.
And why has it been so popular?
Its success in the United States has been attributed to the fact that it performed very well in so-called “red states”.
It also seems to have proven popular with army veterans with Warner Bros. makinga conscious effort to target the military demographic.
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It’s also worth noting that the trailer is very good.
So, what’s the general consensus? Is it any good?
It has received mostly positive reviews and its rating on Rotten Tomatoes currently stands at a solid 74%.
Audiences seem to love it, too.
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However, it has also attracted its fair share of criticism with many viewing it as being excessively “pro-military”.
Among those to share their thoughts include Seth Rogen, who likened it to the propaganda film featured in Inglourious Basterds.
Similarly the film’s portrayal of Chris Kyle as a “hero” has been called into question.
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As for Irish audiences? They seem to be enjoying it, too.
Have you seen American Sniper? What did you think? Let us know in the comments.
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