Imagine being the focus of the DEA, FBI and CIA at the same darn time. Well, you're either a person of major importance or you're in some serious trouble.
American Made is based on a true story about a former pilot, Barry Seal - played by an ageless Tom Cruise.
In the late 70's, what starts off as a summons by the CIA to "serve" his country, quickly turns into a complicated web of cross-continental clandestine deals where Seal finds himself mixed up with the American government, American intelligence, law and drug enforcement, South American cartels and military regimes.
It's a revealing look at the crazy inner-dealings of the period's politics of power and influence, punctuated with pacey action. What's even more interesting is we're shown how these operations spawn the birth of the notorious Medellin Cartel (yes, Pablo Escobar makes an appearance) and almost brings down the Reagan White House.
Tom Cruise is excellent in his role. He plays his character with a perfect devil-may-care attitude (a nod to his Maverick
Top Gun days) which is required of anyone taking on such risky missions. But he also shows great range in his acting by showing both his funny and emotional sides. JB, Barry Seal's brother-in-law played by Caleb Landry Jones (
Get Out), is a favourite of mine from the movie. I can't exactly figure out why, because he's one of those super-annoying brothers who can't seem to do anything right - but he has this special way of getting into trouble.
The bullets, chases, blood and shitload of money are bound to excite audiences. You'll get your money's worth with this movie.
This review is courtesy of Planet Media Cinemas - Westgate. See their updated movies lineup
here.
