Shooter

It plays better than it reviews — the watch lands harder than the write-ups suggest.

• “Shooter is a generically titled studio action picture that turns out to be a surprisingly deft satire about Americans' loss of faith in their government following the 2000 election, the 9/11 attacks, and the ensuing wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.”

  Scott Foundas, Village Voice · 80

• “Shooter does what any good thriller should accomplish - it thrills. It's fast-paced, energetic, and doesn't follow a path that seems pre-ordained from the beginning.”

  James Berardinelli, ReelViews · 75

• “Wahlberg acquits himself well, and the supporting cast -- which includes pioneering rocker Levon Helm in a scene-stealing cameo as an aging gun buff who knows a thing or two about cover-ups, Ned Beatty as a corrupt politician, and a Strangelovian Rade Serbedzija -- is so strong you almost wish the film were longer so they could have more screen time.”

  Maitland McDonagh, TV Guide Magazine · 75

• “The movie's politics may miss their mark, but its thrills are dead-on.”

  Peter Debruge, Miami Herald · 75

• “Unravels a bit heading toward its finale, as buildings explode and characters are forced to explain themselves and their nefarious motives. But the payoff at the end - at once kind of radical and gratuitous - delivers a wallop.”

  Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer · 75