AMERICAN MADE – Rated R – 1 hr. 55 mins.
Starring Tom Cruise, Domhnall Gleeson, Sarah Wright, Caleb Landry Jones and Alejandro Edda
Director Doug Liman (THE BOURNE IDENTITY, MR & MRS SMITH, EDGE OF TOMORROW) brings to the big screen the real-life story of pilot Barry Seal, and his dealings with the CIA, the drug cartel in South America and so much more…THIS IS AMERICAN MADE!
Living a normal life as a TWA Pilot and family man…we meet Barry Seal (Tom Cruise), who has apparently captured the attention of CIA Operative Monty ’Schafer” (Domhnall Gleeson) for his incredible flying skills, and smooth talking ways.
When Seal is offered an opportunity to assist the CIA in gaining insight into the drugs entering the US from South America, Seal decides to leave his comfortable job, unbeknownst to his wife and children, for a life filled with excitement and intrigue…
When Seal sells himself all to well to the not only the CIA, but to the Contra’s and Pablo Escobar too…its seems that his mundane life of not making much cash, is far behind him now…as Seal is on the take from everyone it seems, as his lowly empire in Mena Arkansas seems to be growing by leaps and bounds…
Trouble is, if you are on the take with the Feds, the Drug Cartel and Manuel Noriega too…at some point…someone is going to have to take you down…but the question is…WHO???
I rate AMERICAN MADE a MUST SEE ON THE BIG SCREEN!!! Cruise is sheer perfection as real-life pilot / drug trafficker Barry Seal. Gleeson also gives a fabulous performance, as CIA Agent Schafer. Plus the inclusion of actual footage of Carter, H.W. Bush and Reagan, and a glimpse into their dealings during the 80’s drug crisis and Contra dealings was superb too. Even Wright’s performance playing Seal’s wife throughout the film is note-worthy, as the woman who knows better, but goes along for the ride anyway. Liman definitely has another hit on his hands with this film…as he manages to shed light on the incredible life and underhanded dealings of CIA informant Barry Seal…thus showing us that even when your working with the Feds, and think you and your family are safe…if you choose the wrong path somewhere along the way…you might want to reevaluate your choices…because if you cross the wrong guys – good or bad – they are going to be coming for you…
Kathy Kaiser
MATINEE CHAT with Kathy Kaiser 