Synopsis:
Special Ops sniper Brandon Beckett (Chad Michael Collins, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare) is set up as the primary suspect for the murder of a foreign dignitary on the eve of signing a high-profile trade agreement with the United States. Narrowly escaping death, Beckett realizes that there may be a dark operative working within the government, and partners with the only person whom he can trust: his father, legendary sniper Sgt. Thomas Beckett (Golden Globe®-winner Tom Berenger). Both Becketts are on the run from the CIA, Russian mercenaries and Lady Death, a Yakuza-trained assassin (Japanese actress and singer Sayaka Akimoto in her Hollywood film debut) with sniper skills that rival both legendary sharpshooters.
What We Thought:
If you had told me in 1993 that Sniper, starring Tom Berenger, would turn into a film franchise a decade later I wouldn’t have believed you. But here we are in 2020 and the 8th flick in the series, Sniper: Assassin’s End, is out on home video this week. Berenger starred in the first 3 films, but starting with 2011’s Sniper: Reloaded, Chad Michael Collins took the lead as Berenger’s son. If you’ve seen the first 7 films then this film is easy to follow, but even if you haven’t or only saw the original, it’s pretty easy to understand as well.
So what did I think of Sniper: Assassin’s End? I liked it actually. It’s fun and light and very easy to watch. Are they award worthy films? Of course not, they aren’t supposed to be. They are straight-to-video films, but I like them. The latest sees Brandon Beckett (Collins) set up for an assassination and on the run. He meets up with his dad (Berenger) and tries to figure out who’s behind it all. Is it very similar to Angel Has Fallen? Sure, but I also enjoy the Olympus Has Fallen/London Has Fallen/Angel Has Fallen series. Does it have a car chase, snipers, action and violence? Yes. Does it leave the door open for more films? Also yes.
Right now is a great time to watch some popcorn flicks, movies that don’t require more than just popping them in, enjoying yourself for an hour or two and moving on to the next one. That’s what makes this perfect for right now. It’s quick, gets to the point immediately, doesn’t have a ton of unnecessary scenes or characters and wraps up this storyline perfectly. Collins and Berenger are great in their roles and there’s even a funny scene with Collins playing video games. That made me laugh because Collins himself is a character in a Call of Duty video game. Berenger isn’t asked to do anything unbelievable for a man his age and there’s a great scene with both men with rifles.
If you’ve enjoyed the Sniper series so far then pick up Sniper: Assassin’s End. It’s a good conclusion if indeed it is the conclusion to the Beckett story. It does imply the franchise will continue, but maybe with someone new (I won’t spoil it). I had fun with it and that’s all I ask of movies nowadays.
Recommended If You Like:
- The Marine Series
- Olympus Has Fallen/London Has Fallen/Angel Has Fallen
- The Sniper Series (obviously)
CAST AND CREW
Director: Kaare Andrews
Written By: Oliver Thompson
Producers: Vicki Sotheran & Greg Malcolm
Cast: Chad Michael Collins, Sayaka Akimoto and Tom Berenger
SPECS
Run Time: Approx. 95 mins
Rating: R for bloody violence and some language
Blu-ray: Feature: 2.39:1 1080p High Definition | Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD MA
The Nerds Templar 