I guess I must first address all of the negative hype going around concerning the movie, "American Sniper". I had heard those Hollywood idiots which I will not even name because they are not worthy in being mentioned in a post regarding a true American hero. I'm always amazed at the Hollywood pansies who sit at home with their $60 million dollars and think what they have to say actually matters to anyone but themselves. Armchair warriors/pacifist are allowed to spew their vile because they are cocooned in their safe little world because of people like Chris Kyle.
Enough about them. They aren't worth the blinking cursor time..
We decided we wanted to see American Sniper, but honestly, I was a bit concerned about Bob going with me. Starting Christmas Eve every year, he is haunted by the memories of Christmas Eve 1969. Each year the memory seems to become more vivid. I have heard some theories that many of the Nam guys who has spent their lives productively are finding retirement brings with it full blown PTSD. You see, they have kept busy, deliberately so. Now that there is time to sit back and relax, many can't because their minds drift to the worse part of their lives.
Originally I had asked my brother, CnC to join me since he too has come to Fort Myers for the winter. You'll find those stories at his place. I began hearing about the huge crowds, so I decided to book the tickets early through Fandango. When I told Bob, he said he wanted to go. I've learned I have to let make those decisions.
We met Mark at the Imax Theater. Several of my friends had already seen the movie and raved about it. I felt like I might be at the top of a big roller coaster.
During the previews of other movies, all of which were filled with violence, weapons, bombs, etc. Mark leaned over and said, "Amazing how Hollywood despises guns, huh?"
For those critics who thought it horrible that Kyle and his buddies called the terrorists savages and evil, it takes only the first scene to understand why their descriptions are on point. When a mother sees nothing wrong with handing their 5 year old kid an RPG to take out American soldiers, then savage and evil are mild compared to what I want to call them.
Bradley Cooper was simply amazing as Kyle. His preparation in the physical and mental roles was extensive. He gained 40 pounds in just 10 weeks for the role, all muscle. In one scene, Cooper deadlifts 400 lbs. They originally wanted to create fake weights, but Cooper refused. Kyle's father and wife have all said that Cooper did an amazing job creating Kyle's walk and mannerisms.
This was the third movie I've watched featuring the amazing job these SEALs do. The last thirty minutes of Zero Dark Thirty had me on the edge of my seat as did Lone Survivor. I read Lone Survivor which went into a great bit of detail regarding the training of the SEALs. I am constantly amazed they could endure that type of physical and mental training.
What was most striking about the movie was the ending scenes. Everyone (except two clueless idiots) just sat and watched. That was when the tears started in great waves. I had thought to being plenty of Kleenex. I had several in my hand when I noticed some face wiping to my left, where CnC was sitting. I kept my eyes on the screen, grabbed a few more Kleenex and quietly handed them over.
When the credits started rolling the entire theater stood quietly and no one spoke. No one. Everyone proceeded to the exits and there was only very quiet whispers, as if we were leaving a church after a funeral. Sober and somber. It felt respectful. As if we were giving Kyle the honor he deserved.
I am optimistic that the movie is doing so well. Knowing that it matters not what some pampered ass celebrity says about the movie or the man. It shows that Americans really do believe the SEALs are the good guys. Maybe some are again getting convinced that America is exceptional, in spite of the last five years of the political leaders attempts at convincing us otherwise.
God rest your soul Chris Kyle.
To see what my "brothers" had to say, read CnC's version here and my internet brother's version here.
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