It’s been ages since I watched an action packed, tactical military thriller. I came across a clip of this film on a friend’s WhatsApp status and was intrigued so I had to go look it up and watch the full thing.
Directed by Claudio Fah, this installment ups the stakes by introducing a nearly unstoppable assassin and a high risk mission involving a deadly cartel. With a mix of sniper warfare, espionage and intense shootouts, the film actually delivers exactly what fans of the franchise expect although it doesn’t really push many boundaries beyond that.
Synopsis
The story follows elite Marine sniper Brandon Beckett (Chad Michael Collins) and veteran marksman Thomas Beckett (Tom Berenger) as they are sent to Colombia on a mission. Their objective? To assist DEA agent Kate Estrada (Danay García) in bringing down Jesús Morales (Juan Sebastián Calero), a powerful drug kingpin.
Morales has been using a highly skilled assassin, known only as “The Devil” (Felipe Calero), to eliminate his enemies with precision and secrecy, making him nearly untouchable. As Beckett and Estrada work to dismantle Morales’ empire, they find themselves in a deadly game of cat and mouse with The Devil, whose sniper skills may even surpass Beckett’s.
Review & Rating
I think this is the first of the Sniper franchise I’ve actually seen. I know I’m pretty late but better late than never right? The film does deliver high tension sniper duels and military style action sequences. Chad Michael Collins portrays Beckett with confidence and skill. Tom Berenger as Thomas Beckett adds a layer of nostalgia, though his role is more supporting than central. Danay García’s performance as Kate Estrada also brings a welcome dose of strong-willed determination, balancing out the otherwise male dominated cast.
The action sequences are properly executed, with sniper battles that feel intense and strategic rather than just flashy. One thing this film benefits from, is its Colombian setting, which provides a visually interesting backdrop for the unfolding conflict. Also, the introduction of The Devil as a formidable antagonist adds some tension, making him a genuinely threatening presence.
However, the movie has its flaws. The plot is fairly predictable, following the usual beats of military thrillers; corrupt officials, betrayals and a final showdown that you can see coming from miles away. The dialogue, at times, feels stiff and while the action is engaging, the emotional stakes never feel quite high enough to make a lasting impact.
That being said, this film remains a solid dose of action for lovers of military thrillers. While it obviously doesn’t break new ground, it provides enough sniper focused tension and firepower to keep anyone entertained. So, if you’re looking for a straightforward, tactical action movie with precise headshots and cartel intrigue, this one gets the job done.
Rating: 3/5