Review: American Made - Tom Cruise returns to form in this incredible true story!

American Made tells the amazing true story of Barry Seal, a TWA pilot, who is recruited by the CIA to provide intel on the growing communist threat in Central America and soon finds himself in charge of one of the biggest undercover CIA operations in the history of the United States and one that spawned the birth of the Medellin cartel and eventually almost brought down the Reagan White House administration with the Iran Contra scandal.
In the more than capable hands of director, Doug Liman, who as previously worked with his lead actor Tom Cruise in Edge of Tomorrow as well as directing such films as the Bourne Identity and Mr. and Mrs Smith, American Made is a film full of vitality, one that is well paced and features a return to form from it's lead actor after the unfortunate mess that was The Mummy earlier this summer.
Cruise seems to be particularly enjoying himself in what seems to be a throwback to his late eighties/early 90's performances when he simply had fun within the role he was given.
His larger than life persona and indisputable charm is front and centre here in a film would make an outstanding work of fiction but what is astonishing is that this is all based on a true story.
Fans of the TV series  Narcos and films such as War Dogs will find this movie extremely appealing as there are glaring similarities to both in terms of story and style but American Made is indeed one that should keep most cinema goers happy.
There are a few minor negatives on show however, with Cruises supporting cast never quite matching the lead in terms of capability and charisma and tonally at times the film does appear to be somewhat light for what is a very serious subject matter. Pending lawsuits on behalf of Seal's family seems to suggest that the film makers may have been a bit economical with the truth throughout also.
Notwithstanding those slight complaints, American Made is highly entertaining, playful and charming feature that benefits from an excellent performance from an energetic lead. Recommended!
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