One of our favourite action films of recent years was the 2007 Shooter, directed by Antoine Fuqua.
We were reminded of it when we heard that it was being remade for TV, and will debut on Netflix. It should be noted the film itself was based on Point of Impact (which is available at Amazon here) the first in Stephen Hunter’s book series, so it does have the content to extend the story.
The film concerns the set up of Bob Lee Swagger (Mark Wahlberg) by a rogue private military unit, led by Colonel Johnson (Danny Glover) working for a corrupt US Senator played by Ned Beatty.Swagger, now living as a recluse with his dog, having seen so much war. He is talked out of retirement by Colonel Johnson, to assist in the prevention of an assassination attempt on the president
Swagger is now living as a recluse with his dog, having seen so much war. He is talked out of his retirement by Colonel Johnson, to assist in the prevention of an assassination attempt on the president
Swagger is an expert marksman, so it is hoped that by working as a spotter, he could point out the best place the target would be able to make a shot from. When he does this, he does indeed prevent the assassination of the president, but the archbishop who is also on stage at the same time is the real target and is shot!
When he does this, he does indeed prevent the assassination of the president, but the archbishop who is also on stage at the same time is the real target and is shot!
From nowhere, a police officer called Timmons, (A. C. Peterson) then shoots Swagger twice, making it clear he has been setup. Swagger manages to escape but is now on the run, as now being reported as the shooter.
Swagger manages to evade escape by stealing the car from FBI agent Nick Memphis, (Michael Pena) whilst pleading his innocence.
Swagger hides out with Sarah Fenn (Kate Mara) who is the widow of his friend, killed in a mission in Africa. Fenn helps by stitching up his wounds.
Now almost at recovery, Swagger will take on those who set up and prove his innocence, especially as sadly, they shoot his dog!
Meanwhile, FBI agent Memphis is also believing Swagger’s innocence, noting flaws in the shooting. For example, he finds it too much of a coincidence how quick Timmons got to Swagger.
When Timmons is shot, this only adds fuel to his belief that Swagger is innocent and teams up with him, to give the film an almost buddy movie feel, as the 2 work together to get justice.
Memphis confides his theory with his superior, Alourdes Galindo (Rhona Mitra) who helps him gather evidence to prove Swagger’s innocence before he can present it higher.
During this time, however, he is kidnapped by the agents knowing they have been compromised. Swagger rescues him, using his skills to kill all those holding him captive.
Whilst this is going on, Johnson’s henchman Jack Payne (Elias Koteas) has lured Sarah from her hiding place and will kill her unless Swagger hands over his evidence that he has obtained.
Setting up the film for a big stand-off on top of a mountain as Johnson wants somewhere where he can see Swagger coming. It is here the truth for the shooting will be revealed.
‘Shooter’ can feel like Eighties films such as Commando/First Blood, but that is not a bad thing as despite being 2 hours long, the film flies past with plenty of action, with good performances from all involved, as you would expect from the director of Training Day.
The TV show has cast Ryan Phillippe in the Swagger role, and many aspects of the film remain, the Johnson and Payne characters return as the bad guys for example.
The Swagger character is now a married man rather than a recluse. Memphis is also now a female agent. We will certainly give the show a try, as if as entertaining as the film it should be a great action packed addition to our TV viewing.
Are you a fan of Shooter? Will you give the TV show a chance? What films do you think would make the transfer to TV? We would love to hear from you here at Barking Mad About Films
You can get the film from Amazon here or currently watch it on Netflix.
You can view the film trailer here:
See more on the TV show here:
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