American Sniper (5/19/2015)

Rated R for strong and disturbing war violence, and language throughout including some sexual references.

Starring Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Jake McDorman and Kyle Gallner

Directed by Clint Eastwood (Unforgiven, Million Dollar Baby)

American Sniper is a must see!

U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle is sent to Iraq with only one mission: to protect his brothers-in-arms. His pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield and, as stories of his courageous exploits spread, he earns the nickname “Legend.” However, his reputation is also growing behind enemy lines, putting a price on his head and making him a prime target of insurgents. He is also facing a different kind of battle on the home front: striving to be a good husband and father from halfway around the world. Despite the danger, as well as the toll on his family at home, Chris serves through four harrowing tours of duty in Iraq, personifying the spirit of the SEAL creed to “leave no one behind.” But upon returning to his wife, Taya Renae Kyle (Sienna Miller), and kids, Chris finds that it is the war he can’t leave behind.

American Sniper was a difficult film to watch, but I believe it is a necessary film to watch. We need to remember those who gave so much for our country and our freedom. Motivated by the events of September 11, Chris Kyle puts the emotions we were all feeling that day into action. He is a hero and deserves a movie this good to honor his memory.

Clint Eastwood does an amazing job of telling his story in vivid detail. He takes us on an unforgettable journey and makes certain that Chris Kyle will never be forgotten.

Bradley Cooper delivers a “legendary” performance. He makes us laugh and cry. He makes us hold our breath and even takes our breath away. I cannot even begin to understand the amount of pressure he must have felt to fill the shoes of such a heroic man, but I thought he was amazing bringing Kyle’s story to life.

And this true story is unbelievable. Chris Kyle’s story inspires national pride and encourages people to put their beliefs into action. He loves his wife and his children. He also loves his country and does everything possible to keep them both safe.

I loved everything about this film. It is “Worth Buying” for sure.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
I realize that there are over 100 F-words and the subject matter is very mature, but I do think that more mature teenagers should see this film. It is a true story and I do not believe that the violence or even the language is gratuitous.

Conversation Starter:

1. What do you think Chris Kyle felt watching the news footage of September 11?


2. What did that “feeling” or belief cause him to do?


3. How do your beliefs lead to actions?

Read James 2:14-26

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.


4. What does James tell us about a belief that does not lead to action?


5. How can you do a better job of having your beliefs lead to action?