“American Made” is a refreshing role for Tom Cruise, far away from his blockbuster action films. A more dramatic turn for the actor who shines in this incredible true story.
Barry Seal, a TWA pilot, is recruited by the CIA to provide reconnaissance on the burgeoning communist threat in Central America and soon finds himself in charge of one of the biggest covert CIA operations in the history of the United States. The operation spawns the birth of the Medellin cartel and almost brings down the Reagan White House.
Doug Liman (“The Bourne Identity”, “Mr.& Mrs. Smith”, “The Edge of Tomorrow”) knows how to direct a slick adventure film and has fun doing it. The story seems too crazy to be true which makes this film a fun adventure ride and a nice addendum for the fans of the TV show “Narcos”. The only problem with the film is the ritme. There is too much material and the film glances over some important moments where a more in-depth approach could have benefited the story.
Tom Cruise shines as Barry Seal, but it is all about Cruise, the other actors don’t have time to shine. The supporting cast is impressive with Domhnall Gleeson, Sarah Wright Olsen, Alejandro Edda, Caleb Landry Jones, Jayma Mays, Jesse Plemons and Lola Kirke but again this is a Tom Cruise-centred film. It lacks the emotional power to make it a great picture but thanks to Cruise, “American Made” seems to be the tale of an American hero.
