American Sniper

A bullseye.

American Sniper stars Bradley Cooper as Texan Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history with 160 confirmed kills. Clint Eastwood, who hits as often as he misses, is director.

Luckily, this film goes on the same shelf with Unforgiven, Flags of Our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima. It’s a balanced war movie and anti-war movie at the same time. Sniper is skillfully able to celebrate the war-time warrior and explore post-war lament. And wow, I think gun lovers and gun haters can both watch this film together.

With an on-target Texas drawl, partially developed by listening to Texas singer Robert Earl Keen, Cooper embodies Kyle and is in the center of every scene.

Simply put: A return to form for Eastwood, and another star performance by Cooper who expertly captured our unique Texas accent.

Award potential: Sniper is not on a lot of early lists, but it is good enough to build up some last minute steam to upset for Best Picture, Actor and Screenplay nominations.

In a less political Hollywood, this film would be an Oscar frontrunner. (Lone Survivor was shut out last year.) Cooper, who is in every scene, is currently killing it on Broadway with The Elephant Man, and he has the best chance of scoring a nomination.

The ten buck review: Worth ten bucks.