If you think the Sniper franchise is past its prime, give Sniper: Rogue Mission (2022) a chance. The 9th installment returns with a lighter, more fun tone while still delivering the sniper action fans love. This movie steps away from serious spy tropes and becomes a 'buddy comedy' with sniper rifles as a bonus.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Brandon Beckett (Chad Michael Collins), a young CIA agent, must team up with Zero (Ryan Robbins), a skilled operative, and Lady Death (Sayaka Akimoto), a beautiful assassin, to take down a human trafficking organization infiltrating government agencies. This unofficial mission forces the team to rely on their unique skills and trust, which is sometimes difficult when everyone has personal baggage.
Acting and Characters
Chad Michael Collins returns as Brandon and maintains his cool standard, but what stands out is his chemistry with Ryan Robbins as Zero, a character with comedic timing and complexity. Sayaka Akimoto as Lady Death adds flair with agile fighting style. However, the transgender character 'Gladys' (Brendan Sexton III) is written somewhat stereotypically, which may make some viewers uncomfortable.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
Director Oliver Thompson opts for a lighter tone than previous installments, focusing on jokes and casual dialogue. Filming in small towns and apartments gives an intimate feel, but action scenes are edited too quickly, especially sniper shots lacking excitement. The electronic soundtrack fits the film's rhythm but is not particularly memorable.
Editorial Analysis
As a direct-to-streaming sequel, Sniper: Rogue Mission chooses not to take itself too seriously, which is both a strength and a weakness. The upside is it's fun and relaxing without requiring much thought. The downside is that hardcore fans expecting intense sniper action may be disappointed. The film tries to tell a complex story about government corruption but is overshadowed by jokes and a lack of narrative weight. If you're looking for light action to enjoy on a day off or want to explore a new investigative series, check out free Chinese vertical dramas rongyok ซีรี่ย์เต็มเรื่อง for a different experience.
Verdict
Sniper: Rogue Mission is an action movie perfect for a relaxed day when you want something light and easy. The characters are fun, but hardcore sniper fans may be disappointed by the reduced seriousness. If you prefer buddy comedies over dramatic spy films, give it a chance.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Great chemistry between lead actors with well-timed jokes
- +Tight 96-minute runtime, no filler
- +Fans of the Sniper series will see familiar characters in a new light
👎 Cons
- −Sniper action scenes are not as thrilling as expected
- −Some supporting characters are written stereotypically
- −Plot is too light for a human trafficking theme
Top Cast
FAQ
Not really, but watching Sniper: Assassin's End (2020) will help you understand character relationships better.
No post-credits scene, but there are jokes during the end credits.
No, it's a direct-to-streaming and DVD release.
