American Made - Review
This review of American Made is spoiler free!
So, I've said it 1000 times so far in the short time that I've run this website, the US government is a pretty corrupt and secretive place. It tends to keep a lot of things from the government for what they consider to be "the greater good." Their deals in Central and South America, for example, are some of the most extensive and secretive endeavors they have involved themselves in. Whether it be through communist pressuring, or giving guns to rebel soldiers, or working with drug cartels, the government had its hands and feet in nearly every possible area they could. American Made focuses on the beginnings of the Medellin Drug Cartel, but more specifically one man known as Barry Seal. His story is absolutely bonkers, and with Tom Cruise in the starring role, this film was sure to be a fun one right?
As I stated in the opening, American Made is all about the life and times of Barry Seal. Originally a TWA pilot who just feels like he has nothing exciting in his life, he is asked by the CIA to capture images of communist threats in Central America and ends up being dragged into a conflict with the cartels, and arming of Nicaraguan rebels. There's so much more to this story that if I spoke anymore it would result in a world of spoilers. The best thing though is that I really couldn't believe any of what I was seeing, but it is all essentially true. Barry Seal's life is absolutely crazy and extravagant, and it was essentially an accident that this happened. I enjoyed the heck out of American Made's plot, and while it certainly won't contend for the best picture, it a truly fun part of the film.
There is no mistake about it, this is a Tom Cruise movie. When you put Cruise in your film, you take up the understanding that he is going to be chewing up the majority of scene work and pretty much everyone around his is an accessory to his prowess as an actor. Sure he's not considered one of the best, but he's a bonafide stud. His portrayal of Barry Seal fits so perfectly with the style of the film. It's over the top, crazy, and just all around fun. Tom Cruise embraces the insanity of American Made and manages to make an already exciting and wacky movie even better. The thing though is that I can't really remember anyone else in the movie besides Cruise. He's the star and like I said, outside of him there really isn't anyone who stood out in the cast.
Now I've mentioned it a bunch already throughout this review but what really makes American Made such a good movie is that it's zany and crazy. You're left wondering whats next because Barry Seal's life was so "by the seat of your pants." This ability to throw the viewer for a loop works to the film's benefit because it means they can never get comfortable in what is going on and manages to keep you on the edge of your seat. I know that I wasn't able to ever predict just how far Barry's life would go, and the crazy journey he takes is just a get thrill ride. Granted this isn't necessarily a stellar film, I wish more movies took the style at a breakneck pace with a constantly changing plot. It keeps the viewer entertained and doesn't allow the film to enter a lull that many films find themselves in during the 2nd act. Great work by Doug Liman and all involved on this level of craziness that they manage to maintain.
All in all, I'm happy with the package that is American Made! Sure it's not something that will stand out in the future as a pillar of modern film, but it doesn't need to. Tom Cruise and Doug Liman managed to take the story of Barry Seal and make it an exciting ride for audiences. I acknowledge that there's nothing inherently special about this movie, but it manages to do just about everything good. If you're in the mood for a two-hour thrill ride you can sit down and watch with a loved one or just a group of buddies, check out the life and times of Barry Seal, your friendly neighborhood drug dealer for the cartel and informant for the CIA!
