Some movies that make big bucks at the box office aren't really surprising in their financial glory. Was there anyone who really didn't think the last Harry Potter movie wouldn't shatter box office records? But then you've got your Avengers, your Frozens, those movies that wind up making way, way, way more money than anyone on the face of this Earth could have predicted. American Sniper is one such film, breaking every box office record in it's path and demolishing all expectations.
I had actually thought a biopic in January 2015 would do huge business, but I thought Selma would be the feature in question. I was certain that one would break the bank, but reality didn't pan out that way. While Selma struggles to hit $50 million American Sniper looks to be well on it's way to becoming the number one movie of 2014, becoming the first R-rated film to be the biggest film of the year in 16 years, when Saving Private Ryan ruled over 1998.
All those box office achievements are honestly more interesting to me than about 95% of the aspects in American Sniper. The only parts of the film that rise above those statistics in value for me are Bradley Coopers terrific lead performance and that fake baby. But I know many adore the film; hell, I live in Texas, most everyone around me is going nuts for this movie and Chris Kyle like they're both the second coming. That's great, I'm glad they and countless others around the country found something to enjoy in a film I didn't particular get enamored with.
What I wouldn't deem great is how certain fans of the film have responded to those who feel the movie isn't on a Before Midnight level of cinematic quality. Many, including notable celebrities, who adore the feature have been very outspoken to those with the opposite opinion. They stir up a lot of trouble, acting like those not 110% loving the movie should be burned at a stake. This kind of situation is pretty much exemplified by a whole lot of hoopla that was stirred up by tweets from Michael Moore and Seth Rogen that many found to be against the movie. I actually freely admit that Moore's tweet felt purposely made to drum up controversy (he has a penchant for doing that in his career), while Rogen's felt innocuous enough considering how graphic his films can get.
But numerous people pretty much acted like this was the end of the world, with the likes of Kid Rock attributing Rogen's to the fact that the comedian was likely sexually molested by his uncle. A very thoughtful comment, don'tcha think? This whole snafu culminated in a steakhouse banning Seth Rogen and Michael Moore because they had contrary opinions about American Sniper, which is simultaneously mindbogglingly idiotic and hilarious in it's stupidity.
What I find interesting about those who come out against Rogen and Moore is that they never have anything to say about the film itself. They never talk about pieces of directing, editing or acting that they enjoyed in the film itself to contrast with potential opposing views, they just bemoan someone "disrespecting the troops", God Bless Chris Kyle and feel like that's it. In case it wasn't painfully obvious, not liking American Sniper doesn't mean one hates the troops. The brave men and women who fight for our country deserve, in my opinion, a film with more nuance and quality than American Sniper. If these folks who want to stir up controversy and enjoy the movie want do engage in a lively discussion of the films merits, that'd be awesome.
But by engaging in such shallow tactics, these morons are pretty much reinforcing how little there is to American Sniper in terms of actual depth. There's so little to talk about within the actual film fans of the film have to ban celebrities from steakhouses in order to get the film discussed. If their goal was something noble, then these detractors have failed. Looking back at American Sniper;s release, I won't be reminded of the bravery that our men and women in uniform do every day, like those defending the film may have wanted, but how many people use patriotism as a way to excuse their own cruel idiocy.
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