American Made product reviews

I'll be the first to admit I'm not a huge Tom Cruise fan. I enjoyed his earlier films but then it became hard for me to distinguish between Tom Cruise the superstar and the characters he portrayed in his more recent offerings. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by his latest film, American Made. In his third biographical film, Cruise plays Barry Seal, a TWA pilot who is recruited by the CIA to run one of the biggest covert operations in U.S history. His work in Central America catches the eyes of the Medellin cartel and he becomes not only a drug trafficker but a gun smuggler and money launderer, acquiring the title of 'the gringo that always delivers'.

It is worth noting that although Seal was a real person, the events of American Made are inspired by but not limited to what actually happened in his life. Director Liman describes the film as 'a fun lie based on a true story' and it's because of this that we are treated to a fast-paced action movie that doesn't stop. It's insightful yet funny and with lots of twists and turns to keep you entertained. It also has a sense of realness, created in part by handheld camera's following Seal's exploits, pieces to camera and places and dates written on the screen.

The minor characters are well cast with the Medellin cartel guys subtlety menacing and Sarah Wright is perfect as Seal's wife. Cruise and Wright have a great chemistry and portray a loving family that work well together.

Cruise gives a believable and energetic performance as the lovable rogue and is perfectly cast as Seal. This is Cruise's film and he turns a character that we should despise into a likeable antihero who just can't say no! American Made is hugely entertaining and a must-see for Tom Cruise fans.