American Made (2017) Movie Review

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The film is a rocky ride set in the late ’70s/ early ’80s. America is trying to contain and suppress the communists’ rise while the Medellin Cartel, led by Pablo Escobar in its headquarters in Colombia, is attempting to smuggle their product across the border. Guns, drugs and so much money that you could not even count it; you know, the usual deal. This may sound like I am talking about Netflix’s Narcos but trust me, the story that is told here has never been explored before. It is the story of Barry Seal, the gringo that always delivers.

Still of Tom Cruise observing his plane's curves on American Made

American Made reunites director Doug Liman with Tom Cruise, three years after collaborating in 2014’s Edge of Tomorrow. Let me tell you this, right off the bat: this film tries to fix or at least change a recurring problem in past Cruise efforts; yes, the film revolves around Barry Seal’s journey but is not as Tom Cruise centered as other films, like The Mummy, for instance. Now, back to movie in question. There is a lot more going on in the background, aside from seeing Cruise piloting his own plane. Barry Seal was a TWA pilot, a devoted family man, until he got recruited by CIA officer Schafer, played by Domhnall Gleeson, in order to make recon missions, which included taking pictures from his plane and transferring any material necessary.

Official American Made Promotional Banner

Everything was going rock solid until Barry involves himself with the Cartel and is now responsible for a couple of cocain deliveries as well (and by a couple, I mean tons!). Barry got himself against the wall and he’s going to need a bigger hangar, am I right? The film is, in its simplest form, a period piece told in a streamlined, peculiar way; Barry seems to be narrating the events of the story to the audience, giving the film a certain snap of personality. The cinematography is spot on, relishing the film with authenticity (attention to detail being a key player here) and giving it a somewhat dated and blurred look; in terms of soundtrack and sound design, there were some interesting song choices that helped to set the tone of the film. The comedy, which is a category American Made appears listed on, sometimes fell flat. However, thanks to its intense and nervous feel, resulting in a fast paced movie, it is not something major.

Still of Domhnall Gleeson and Tom Cruise on American Made

American Made is a film that feels timeless although being set in a specific time, showcasing the untold story of a pilot turned CIA employer turned cocain smuggler turned criminal (Tom Cruise delivers an unconventional performance). One man, Barry Seal, which managed to fool them all.

With that being said, I rate this movie with a B. But, most importantly, have you had the chance to watch American Made? Did you like it? Do you agree with me, or do you have a different opinion? Jump into the comments’ section down below and leave your thoughts.