From Deseret News archives:

Sniper

Published: Tuesday, Feb. 9, 1993 12:00 a.m. MST
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 

"Sniper" is a fairly typical take on two disparate assassins in the jungles of Panama, looking to take out a drug lord who is climbing in political circles.

The writing here is routine, with superficial characters and plotting that isn't particularly exciting. But director Luis Llosa, taking a cue from "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves," invests some excitement and tension into the proceedings, and also offers some point-of-view gunplay, showing us bullets racing toward their targets, which adds an extra jolt.

Llosa is also fortunate to have as his star Tom Berenger, who gives some depth to the veteran killer here, a man who has been in the jungle so long and killed so many people that he doesn't seem to know anything else.

Billy Zane is the young recruit who has orders to make sure the target is hit and, if necessary, to take out Berenger in the process.

Their byplay, as Zane learns to grudgingly respect Berenger and must put his own marksmanship to the test, since he's never actually killed anyone before, could be snappier and more entertaining — and some understanding of the characters' background and motivations would certainly help.

But for what it is, "Sniper" manages to deliver the goods for action fans.

"Sniper" is rated R for violence and profanity.

Story continues below

Recent comments

The Weapon that Billy Zane carries isnt PSG-1, it is H&K
SR-9TC

Venttona | April 4, 2006 at 9:14 a.m.

Excellent. Tom Berringer is a very believable sniper. I kno
ow a...

Kate | May 31, 2004 at 8:14 p.m.

true picture of a sniper, of a usm. thank you Mr.
Berringer. It may...

yankee | Sept. 26, 2001 at 7:29 p.m.

Movie Info
Rated R for violence, profanity.

Cast: Tom Berenger, Billy Zane.
FIND LOCAL MOVIE SHOWTIMES
previousnext

Latest comments

I find it interesting that many of the same people who say that we can't...

Cougs begin bowl preparations

None of these teams is going to be easy. They all have fine football...

Max Hall issues apology

Max, no apology was necessary, but the apology was polically correct. If...

Very good piece of writing, Amy. You summarized what many of us have been...

U. eyes bowl for redemption

How is a top 25 finish make Utah a top twenty team? I think what the poster...

Max Hall issues apology

90% of the BYU & Utah fans have class, and Hall knows it. If you don't...

This might be my favorite article I've ever read from the Deseret News. Kudos.

Y. student vanished in China

Thank you for not giving up and don't give up now brother and sister...

Child prostitutes don't get help

Dr. Lois Lee's work with children who are victims of child sexual...

Look at the preview for Pixar's "Up". The whole move is summarized in...

Advertisements