I didn't think that the first "Sniper" movie (way back in 1993!) was anything special, and the box office results seemed to indicate others agreed with me. But it must have found its audience somewhere, because it's spawned several direct to video sequels, this one being the latest one. I wasn't expecting too much when I sat down to watch this entry (no surprise), but I was kind of surprised to find it was decent. Now, it's far from a perfect movie. I do believe comments from other IMDb users here that state various military details in this movie are not accurate, though that did not concern me that much. I will admit that a few sequences involving CGI effects are a little cheesy, and there are a few slow bits here and there. The biggest disappointment in my opinion, however, is with the use of Tom Berenger. Although he is top billed, we have to wait almost an hour before he first shows up, and he only makes a few (brief) appearances afterwards.Despite those problems, the movie still remains entertaining. Although the CGI effects are lacking, the movie looks extremely professional in every other aspect, from the cinematography to the locations; some serious money and time was spent on this movie. The starring features of the movie - the action sequences - are also well done, coming across as very exciting and well directed.While I wouldn't say that this is a movie to actively seek out, it does deliver the goods if you are in the mood for some non-think action. I've seen hundreds of action movies from all over the world in my life, so I'm confident in saying that this is a decent example of the genre.
... View More.... and they didn't.Let's start with the positives. The cinematography is to die for. The direction is rock-solid (something many tired sequels can't claim) and the idea of re-imagining the "spotter" as a member of the fairer sex is, well, clever. And visually engaging.But the clever stops there.For the record -- and this is an old and cranky reviewer writing this -- I saw the first SNIPER in a theatre. One of the old ones. With a second floor and balconies. It was not bad. At the time Berenger was considered to be "the next big thing" and could do no wrong.In my view, if you had suggested to Berenger at that time (hypothetically) that the rest of his career would be mainly TV roles, and that the occasional Sniper "redux" would be his only ongoing star turn, I think he would have been shocked.Just like this reviewer is shocked that, in spite of the cinematography and direction, this film essentially falls apart after the first 20 minutes.Which is sad because Berenger, in his late sixties, might never get another chance to do this right.
... View MoreSniper, released in 1993, was an intense action thriller that was quite enjoyable. Every sequel released since has ranged from below average to poor. This movie is certainly below average.The entire movie seems dated and derivative. Also I found that the entire movie was riddled with plot holes that could have easily been the work of artillery and not a sniper rifle. Even some of the characters I found to be unlikeable in which I didn't really care for them in the slightest. I certainly had a feeling that that this movie was done before with a mix of The Jackal, Behind Enemy Lines, and elements of the previous Sniper movies added to make this movie. Chad Michael Collins as Brendan Beckett came across as a rebellious, gung-ho pretty boy who has similar traits as his famous father. Tom Berenger who returns in his role as former Gunnery Sergeant Thomas Beckett (now retired) is unfortunately far too old, despite his appearance two-thirds into the movie. Perhaps it may be time for Thomas Beckett to call it a day.Unless you are a fan of the Sniper movies, give this movie a miss.3/10
... View MoreThoroughly enjoyed the movie. Nice to have a proper back-story going on and great to see Berenger back. Also a real feast of different weapons on display. The action sequences are superbly shot and executed and the tension racks right up to the end. The movie covers a lot of ground and felt at times like one of the Bourne films. I personally love seeing characters like Berenger's develop and age. Not quite the same character study as Eastwood in 'Unforgiven'! But nevertheless, here he is, he's been through it all and still going strong.As for the reviewer mentioning the beret and it having a medical corps badge on it. Thats' normal in black ops. The medical insignia is the one that's least likely to provoke hostility in an enemy if taken captive. It's commonly used. I know. Special operations personnel, when on a covert operation, would never ever wear anything that revealed their true identity. The medical corps badges give you the best chances of survival as the medical corps are regarded as the most benign. There you go. Just a bit of detail for you.But all in all, a worthy chapter in the Sniper canon.
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