Tom Cruise’s latest film is yet another fast-paced action thriller bound to excite audiences.
American Made is directed by Doug Liman, who is famous for Edge of Tomorrow, Mr and Mrs Smith as well as producing the Bourne series.
This semi-biographical tale deals with a CIA pilot who ends up as part Government hero, part criminal entrepreneur.
Cruise’s character Barry Seal gets involved with the infamous Colombian Medellin Cartel of the 1980s, an international criminal gang involved in smuggling and trafficking cocaine.
The most notable member of this group was Pablo Escobar who is featured in the popular Netflix series Narcos.
I felt this film was in a sense Narcos light. It featured all of the gratuitous fast cars and cash of Narcos, but lacked the brutal violence and terrorism that these gangs deployed.
Tom Cruise isn’t as convincing as he usually is and seemed to lack the charismatic intensity he’s displayed in so many of his films.
In Collateral, for example, Cruise really jumps off the screen and carries the film, but this wasn’t obviously apparent in American Made.
Sarah Wright plays the wife of the protagonist, Lucy Seal. Wright is solid enough in her role but doesn’t deliver a particularly noteworthy performance.
One element American Made certainly delivers is an enthralling narrative.
As the viewer we get a clear historical picture of the rampant craziness that was the Colombian Cartel and the CIA’s role in it.
We also get a brief overview of Nicaragua and the infamous General Noriega’s role in this entire drama.
If you’re a fan of aeroplanes and flying, you will definitely get a kick out of Cruise’s latest blockbuster.
There are several thrilling and epic close encounters in the air and this definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The component that was a letdown for me was the performances of most of the actors.
The Medellin Cartel didn’t seem to come across as evil and menacing, as one would expect, and lacked a certain intimidating energy on screen.
American Made is showing in cinemas now. Check Session Times Here
