Mason Masotta

For the Clock

mtmasotta@plymouth.edu

When Tom Cruise is involved in any film, it’s clear that it will be either a game-changing work of art, or a potential flop. “American Made,” luckily, hits its mark perfectly. Following the real life adventures of Barry Seal, a commercial pilot, the film dives into the shady trafficking of guns and drugs by the CIA in the late 70s and 80s.

In “American Made,” which hit theatres on September 29, Cruise delivers as the star of a two-hour crime drama as the fast-talking lead, who gets himself into one terrible situation after another. Stuck between the government and Pablo Escobar’s drug cartels, the literal rock and a hard place metaphor is presented.

Despite being a time in political history where the drug war was at its peak under President Ronald Reagan, themes on American greed are at the forefront. The government’s role in the selling of cocaine and other drugs is still shocking and almost ridiculous to see and played in a humorous tone in the film.

The film also serves as an interesting history lesson, as it focuses heavily on the origins of the Iran Contra scandal. Taking a deep, albeit dramatized, look at the Reagan administration’s secret selling of weapons to Iran offers some insight into the political climate of the time. The arms dealing operation began as an attempt to free hostages from Iranian imprisonment before evolving into a profitable black marketing ring.

Seal, a middle man in the whole affair, reaps the benefits of such an arrangement before he and his family come under fire. Conspiracy and betrayal become major themes as the “American Dream” catches up with our protagonist.

Fans of the Netflix series “Narcos,” and 80s political dramas in general, will have a fantastic time with this film. The film is not completely accurate in every historical detail, but makes for a great two hours. Tom Cruise is in top form, and plays the cocky fly boy that he always seems most comfortable portraying.