Two Takes: "American Sniper" Review

In our new review column, Cameron and Ali have a conversation and give both of their takes on Clint Eastwood's latest film, which just earned six Academy Award nominations.

Bradley Cooper stars as Chris Kyle in Clint Eastwood's "American Sniper."

Cameron: After three weeks in tremendously successful limited release, earning six Oscar nominations and a perfect storm of buzz and press interest, Clint Eastwood’s “American Sniper” opened up nationwide this weekend. I loved the film on many levels. What was your overall impression?

Ali: Overall impression? I’d say this is a very heavy film. And I loved it, too. I really did, I wish I wasn’t in such a rush after the movie. That way, I could really soak in the feeling I was left with after this film. Particularly with regard to what it means to be a war hero, I felt the entire time Clint Eastwood was playing like a devil’s advocate of sorts. I didn’t know if he was glorifying or horrifying it.

Win two tickets to see "Silver Linings Playbook" in Atlanta!

Who wants a pair of tickets to see David O. Russell's "Silver Linings Playbook" next Monday evening, November 19th at Landmark Midtown Cinema in Atlanta? The film, which stars Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver and Chris Tucker, comes highly recommended by yours truly.

How do you win the passes? Simple! Either retweet this tweet or share our post about the screening on Facebook to be entered to win. Do both and double your chances. We will contact the winner with the passes this weekend.

Savannah: "Silver Linings Playbook" (*****)

Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence star in "Silver Linings Playbook"

The 15th annual Savannah Film Festival kicked off October 27th with "Silver Linings Playbook." I was in town for the entire festival, a spectacular eight days, and will be sharing plenty of reviews, pictures and recaps in the coming weeks.

If you are looking to attract some awards attention, bringing together recent Oscar nominees like David O. Russell, Jennifer Lawrence and Jacki Weaver might do the trick. Throw a living legend, say, Robert De Niro, into the mix and then add two box office stars like Bradley Cooper and Chris Tucker. You're potentially looking at a very big hit, both commercially and critically. "Silver Linings Playbook" lives up to every bit of its potential. Each piece of the sprawling cast is exceptional, with Cooper and Lawrence running away with the show. Lawrence, in particular, demonstrates how she has earned every bit of her phenomenal ascent to the top.