The Bottom Line
- Mark Wahlberg's definitely believable as an ex-military sharpshooter with attitude
- It's nice to see the main female character's not a love interest
- The action sequences are gripping
- NRA enthusiasts may enjoy this film
- What's up with Danny Glover's voice? It's very, very distracting.
- Asks audiences to suspend logic as the plot takes hugely improbable twists
- Sets things up well, then bungles crucial scenes
Description
- Stars Mark Wahlberg, Michael Pena, Kate Mara, and Danny Glover
- Based on Stephen Hunter's novel "Point of Impact," adapted by Jonathan Lemkin and directed by Antoine Fuqua
- Rated R for strong graphic violence and some language
- Theatrical Release Date: March 23, 2007
Guide Review - Shooter Movie Review
Mark Wahlberg proves his worth as an action star playing Bob Lee Swagger, an ex-military sharpshooter who's retired to a peaceful life in the mountains. But his sweet civilian life of hanging out with his dog and drinking beer comes to an end when he's approached by Colonel Isaac Johnson (Glover) and asked to help out his government. Colonel Johnson talks Swagger into traveling to Philadelphia to help thwart an attack on the President.
Swagger soon wishes he'd stayed home after he finds himself framed, shot twice, and declared one of the country's Most Wanted for attempting to assassinate the President. On the run from every law enforcement agency in the United States, Swagger turns to two unlikely sources for help. Teaming up with his dead partner's girlfriend (Mara) and an FBI agent (Pena) who smells something fishy, Swagger takes on mercenaries and corrupt politicians in order to clear his name.
To Sum It Up
Shooter does a good job of taking a few shots at the government, pitting a decent man against power-hungry political types and giving the audience a real hero to root for. One heavily armed man standing up against immeasurable odds is compelling entertainment as long as you're willing to toss logic out the door.
Shooter is the best modern-era action movie of the year, but that's not saying much at this point. If you're craving conspiracy theories, gun battles, explosions and plot holes, then Shooter isn't a total waste of time. Don't go in with high expectations for a coherent story and you'll be fine.
GRADE: C
