Review of Sniper: Legacy (2014)

General Information

• Director: Don Michael Paul
• Main Cast:
  • Tom Berenger (Thomas Beckett)
  • Chad Michael Collins (Brandon Beckett)
  • Dennis Haysbert (Lieutenant Colonel Bama)
  • Nia Peeples (Veronica)
  • Doug Allen (Kaznet)
• Genre: Action, Thriller, War
• Runtime: 98 minutes
• Studio: Columbia Pictures

Plot

Sniper: Legacy is the fifth installment in the Sniper series, following Sniper (1993), Sniper 2 (2002), Sniper 3 (2004), and Sniper: Reloaded (2011). The film centers around Brandon Beckett (Chad Michael Collins), the son of legendary sniper Thomas Beckett (Tom Berenger). When a rogue sniper begins killing American military leaders, it’s up to Brandon and his father, who is reluctantly drawn back into the fold, to stop the assassin before the death toll escalates. As the duo tracks the sniper, they uncover a conspiracy that complicates their mission and puts both their lives at risk.

Highlights

1. Tom Berenger as Thomas Beckett
   • Tom Berenger’s return as Thomas Beckett is a central strength of Sniper: Legacy. Berenger brings a sense of gravitas to the role, continuing his portrayal of the grizzled, experienced sniper. Although Beckett is a man who has retired from active duty, his expertise, combat skills, and fatherly relationship with Brandon bring a sense of depth to the character. His performance provides emotional weight to the film, making his bond with Brandon believable despite their strained relationship at times.
2. Chad Michael Collins as Brandon Beckett
   • Chad Michael Collins steps into the lead role as Brandon Beckett, taking on the mantle of his father’s legacy. While Collins’ performance is solid, it doesn’t quite match the emotional intensity of Berenger’s portrayal. Nonetheless, Brandon’s character is a capable and determined protagonist, and his relationship with his father is crucial to the film’s emotional appeal. The father-son dynamic offers moments of tension and growth throughout the story.
3. Action and Tension
   • As expected from the Sniper series, the action is tightly paced, with sniper showdowns, stealth tactics, and strategic combat being central to the film’s plot. The sniper scenes are well-executed, with the cat-and-mouse game between the protagonists and the antagonist providing tension and excitement. While the film doesn’t deliver anything groundbreaking in terms of action, it provides satisfying moments for fans of military thrillers and sniper combat.
4. The Military Thriller Atmosphere
   • Sniper: Legacy delivers the gritty military atmosphere that fans of the genre expect. The film has a strong sense of realism when it comes to military tactics and operations, which enhances the action sequences. The plot’s focus on covert operations, sniper techniques, and field strategy gives the film an authentic feel, which will resonate with viewers who enjoy war thrillers.
5. The Villain and the Conspiracy
   • The film’s villain, a rogue sniper working for an unknown agenda, adds an element of mystery and intrigue. While the antagonist’s motives could have been developed further, the conspiracy involving military figures and corruption provides a basic but effective backdrop for the story. It ties in with larger themes of betrayal and duty, even if the payoff feels somewhat predictable.

Criticisms

1. Predictable Plot
   • The plot of Sniper: Legacy is fairly formulaic, relying on familiar beats from previous entries in the series. The father-son dynamic, while central to the narrative, follows a predictable arc, and the story’s central mystery surrounding the rogue sniper lacks many surprises. The film doesn’t introduce many new ideas to the franchise, and its predictable nature might be a drawback for viewers seeking a more original or nuanced storyline.
2. Limited Character Development
   • While the relationship between Brandon and his father, Thomas, provides the film with some emotional weight, many of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped. The villain’s motivations, for example, are somewhat vague, and the film doesn’t explore the complexities of his character or the conspiracy in much detail. Other characters, such as the female operative Veronica, feel like secondary plot devices rather than fully realized figures.
3. Pacing Issues
   • The pacing of the film can be uneven, especially during the quieter moments when the story slows down to focus on character development. The film could have benefited from more dynamic pacing, particularly in the middle sections, where the film tends to drag as it builds up to the final confrontation.

Verdict

Sniper: Legacy is a solid action thriller that will satisfy fans of the Sniper series and military action films. The return of Tom Berenger as Thomas Beckett provides a sense of continuity and gravitas to the film, while Chad Michael Collins steps into the lead role with a competent performance. The action scenes are engaging, and the father-son dynamic offers emotional depth. However, the film’s predictable plot, underdeveloped characters, and uneven pacing hold it back from being more than just another entry in the franchise. It’s an enjoyable watch for those who appreciate military thrillers but doesn’t offer much beyond the familiar formula.

Rating: 7.5/10