Sniper 2

Sitting down to watch the 2002 movie "Sniper 2" after having just watched the 1993 original movie, I must say that writers Ron Mita and Jim McClain actually managed to put together an entertaining and enjoyable storyline for this particular movie.

While "Sniper 2" doesn't take place in a jungle, as the first movie did, I will say that the storyline sure was interesting enough. And it was a nice change of pace to have Thomas Beckett (played by Tom Berenger) do what he does in an urban setting.

There is a good amount of action in the movie, which supplements the storyline quite well. So the 91 minutes runtime doesn't feel long, slow or boring. I was genuinely entertained by this 2002 sequel from director Craig R. Baxley.

So this is definitely one of those rare moments where the sequel is every bit as good as the original first movie. If you enjoyed the 1993 movie "Sniper", then you definitely should also watch the 2002 movie "Sniper 2". This was my second time of watching it since it was initially released.

My rating of "Sniper 2" lands on a six out of ten stars.

I found this movie well thought out and for the most part well executed. However, it most glaring flaw was with its technical aspects. In the scene, where the underground partisan, Sophia, brings Sgt. Beckett beneath a tavern, to a store of WWII arms. Sgt. Beckett picks up a rifle and calling it a German 8mm Mauser. But in reality it is a Russian 7.62 Mosin Nagant, to which he adds the proper Russian sniper scope and mount. I was very surprised at this and wonder who was at fault. But otherwise, I felt this film is another success for Tom Berenger.

Direct-to-video sequel almost 10 years after the original is buoyed by a strong performance from Tom Berenger, returning as the titular sniper, and solid action direction form Craig R. Baxley, who directed the underrated "I Come in Peace." Berenger's Marine sniper character is now retired, but is called back for a CIA covert op and is once again saddled with a young know-it-all sniper, this time Bokeem Woodbine instead of Billy Zane. As you might expect, the mission ends up being more than Berenger bargained for, but it's nothing all that clever or interesting. As with the first film, the story is the weak point, though this film was minus the first film's focus on stealth and suspense and instead focuses on standard action film pyrotechnics and mayhem, which isn't bad but isn't as unique as the first film. The extended sequence in the original film of Berenger and Zane getting into position to take out a target was unique and a lot of fun. Overall, "Sniper 2" isn't terrible, but it's nothing to go out of your way to watch. Gary Chang provided the film's score.

Finally, a sequel that's much better than the original.

I can't understand why this only got five stars. maybe there aren't enough vehicles crashing and bursting into flames, so it doesn't appeal to those who like mindless action flicks.

This movie definitely has a B-movie "look" to it, and I can't explain what that means. It's just dark, or something. I'd probably blame it on the PD, though that's a guess.

Regardless, the screenplay is decent, the acting is excellent, and the direction / editing is strong, non-boring, and lacking in most of the typical cliches that you would expect from this genre. This is not a classic, not something I want to watch more than once, but a totally engaging and entertaining action flick that didn't once insult my intelligence.

I give it a solid seven stars.

Tom makes this film, and it is a decent late night film that was intended to a b film, What surprised me was the budget, what the US dollar can get in Hugary. I mean they got tank, choppers, lots of troops, and a believable military actors. This is still a B movie, but watchable. PS they leave room for Sniper 3 with the ending. It was a power one. 6/10