There is never any dearth of mindless mayhem in the form of cinema, especially on Netflix, which has built a substantial fanbase for such films. The streaming giant often serves as a go-to platform for those seeking a quick fix of mindless action.
Recently, two sequels in the Sniper series have surprisingly climbed the ranks on Netflix’s top ten global list. Sniper: Ultimate Kill, directed by Claudio Fäh, finds itself in the eighth spot globally and an even more astonishing third place in the US. Meanwhile, Sniper: Assassin’s End, directed by Kaare Andrews, has secured the tenth spot on the global chart.
The Sniper series, originally created by Michael Frost Beckner, has a dedicated fan base. The 1993 original follows Thomas Beckett (Tom Berenger), an experienced Marine sniper, and Richard Miller (Billy Zane), a rookie marksman, as they embark on a dangerous mission in the jungles of Panama. Tasked with eliminating a political target, the duo faces not only the challenges of the treacherous terrain but also the moral complexities of their mission. The film explored the high-stakes world of snipers and the psychological toll of their deadly profession.
Ultimate Kill features Chad Michael Collins reprising his role as elite sniper Brandon Beckett, with Tom Berenger returning as his father, Thomas Beckett. The plot revolves around the duo teaming up to thwart a deadly drug cartel in Colombia, offering little more than generic shootouts and predictable plot twists.
Assassin’s End takes the sniper saga a step further with an equally uninspiring take. Starring Chad Michael Collins once again, this time alongside Sayaka Akimoto, the film follows Beckett as he is framed for the assassination of a dignitary. Cue the relentless pursuit of justice, laden with explosions, gunfire, and lacklustre dialogue.
These sequels have everything mindless action films should, from their reliance on tired tropes and one-dimensional characters to a predictable blend of explosions and gun battles. It is all about adrenaline-pumping sequences.
You can watch Sniper: Ultimate Kill and Assassin’s End on Netflix.
