Shooter (2007)

Shooter Poster

A top Marine sniper, Bob Lee Swagger, leaves the military after a mission goes horribly awry and disappears, living in seclusion. He is coaxed back into service after a high-profile government official convinces him to help thwart a plot to kill the President of the United States. Ultimately double-crossed and framed for the attempt, Swagger becomes the target of a nationwide manhunt. He goes on the run to track the real killer and find out who exactly set him up, and why, eventually seeking revenge against some of the most powerful and corrupt leaders in the free world.

Film Overview
"Shooter" is a 2007 American action thriller movie based upon Stephen Hunter's unique "Point of Impact". The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and stars Mark Wahlberg ahead function, with supporting roles from Danny Glover, Michael Peña, and Kate Mara. The plot mostly focuses on a highly experienced sniper, residing in self-imposed exile, who is coaxed back into action after finding out about a plot to kill the president, only to be deceived and blamed for the assassination attempt.

Plot Summary
Bob Lee Swagger (Mark Wahlberg) is a masterful retired Marine Corps sniper who retired after a botched operation in Ethiopia which led to the death of his friend and spotter Donnie Fenn. Three years later, Swagger is approached by Colonel Isaac Johnson (Danny Glover), who works for a private company within the U.S. federal government. Johnson interest his patriotism and convinces Swagger to assist in warding off an assassination plot against the President.

Nevertheless, it was all a setup. The real assassination occurs, albeit the target being the Ethiopian Archbishop and not the president. Swagger is betrayed, framed as the shooter, and becomes the target of a substantial manhunt. Sustaining a gunshot injury during his escape, he is dealt with and assisted by a novice FBI agent, Nick Memphis (Michael Peña), whom Swagger had formerly imprisoned to effect his escape. Together, they figure out the conspiracy behind the assassination after they recognize that the hints given by Johnson pointed just towards Swagger, presuming he would be killed during the transfer.

Turning the Tables
Swagger gets the assistance of Sarah Fenn (Kate Mara), Donnie Fenn's widow, who becomes his ally and confidante in his defend justice. At the same time, Memphis too discovers the reality and is supportive to Swagger's cause, therefore turning from pursuer to protector. Swagger plots to expose the rot by putting himself into the congressional hearing determined to name the perpetrators.

Climax and Resolution
In the climax, Swagger manages to outwit and kill the rogue aspects who masterminded the plot, including Johnson. He then goes underground up until such time as Memphis, who is now a part of an investigation team, clears Swagger's name by producing a senior Russian sniper living in US exile who verifies Swagger's assertions. The movie ends with Swagger vanishing once again, appealing Memphis that he would resurface when the genuine culprits behind the dirty video games in the federal government end up being accountable for their actions.

Conclusion
"Shooter" is an awesome action drama that held audience's interest by its appealing plot and compelling performances, especially of Wahlberg, Peña, and Glover. It exposes the darker reality of political and administrative corruption, while glorifying the nerve and intelligence of a lone competent marine conquering insurmountable odds. Though entirely fictional and dramatized, "Shooter" resonates with audiences due to its fascinating action and its expedition of themes like heroism, conspiracy, and betrayal.

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