Fortress: Sniper's Eye
Guns-and-glory sequel is violent, has strong language.
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Fortress: Sniper's Eye
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Fortress: Sniper's Eye is the sequel to Fortress. Even with flashbacks, viewers who didn't see the first film are likely to be confused. (But since characters who were killed at the end of that one are now alive and back for revenge, it's just as confusing for returning audiences.) Characters are in constant peril, and it's visually implied that one has endured torture. Frequent violence is often deadly, including shootings, attempted drownings, strangling, explosives, physical combat, and the threat of rape. Large knives are used to threaten death or disfigurement. Several female characters outsmart or outmuscle the villains, but that doesn't mean they're positively portrayed. Indeed, one is blatantly sexualized through her wardrobe of tight, belly-baring crop tops and minuscule shorts that, at times, expose her buttocks. And when characters are taken captive, only she is gagged and tied up in a way that implies sexual fetishization. Strong language includes "bitch," "f--k," and more. Bruce Willis co-stars.
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What's the Story?
Following the deadly attack carried out against Fortress Camp, the team in FORTRESS: SNIPER'S EYE is shutting down the island "retreat" for retired government operatives. After completing his final mission -- rescuing the widow of a maniacal money launderer from the Russian mob -- Robert (Bruce Willis), Kate (Kelly Greyson), and Ken (Michael Sirow) are ready to leave the past behind them. But the past isn't quite ready to move on.
Is It Any Good?
Its predecessor may have only made $45,000 at the box office, but distributors know that action films can be subpar if you've got a famous star (cue Willis) and a striking poster. It would seem that the belief is that, for a "guns and glory" flick, story doesn't really matter -- i.e. that people just want to see a legendary hero kick butt, old-school style. And, unlike in other so-called "geezer teasers," Willis isn't just in one or two scenes of Fortress: Sniper's Eye: Robert is the respected leader, and the film returns to him every few scenes.
But the script was clearly written around his capacity to work. In April 2022, news stories reported that Willis had been diagnosed with aphasia, and Robert -- who was shot during a daring rescue -- conducts most of his scenes from a hospital bed. This scenario allows him to be sidelined while the other characters try to escape the criminals who've returned for revenge. Given Willis' condition, seeing him used in this way feels exploitive, whether or not he signed on for the money or because he loves acting. Plus, the script is lousy, and the plot is utter nonsense. Still, knowing that John McClane finished on his own terms is at least something that can bring a smile, even if this film does not.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Fortress: Sniper's Eye. How did it make you feel? Was it exciting? Shocking? What did the movie show or not show to achieve this effect? Why is that important?
This sequel was being made before the first film was released. Why might filmmakers make that choice?
The sequel repeats the philosophical quote stated in the first film: "Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards". What does that mean, and how does that apply here?
Discuss the gender representations in the film. Women are seen as heroes. But do you think they're positively depicted? Why, or why not?
How does the team protecting the fortress demonstrate courage? How does Robert's calmness affect Balzary?
Movie Details
- In theaters: April 29, 2022
- On DVD or streaming: June 7, 2022
- Cast: Bruce Willis, Chad Michael Murray, Jesse Metcalfe
- Director: Josh Sternfeld
- Studio: Lionsgate
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Run time: 87 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: violence and language
- Last updated: February 1, 2023
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The Sixth Sense
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The Fifth Element
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