Sniper: Special Ops (2016) is an action war film directed by Fred Olen Ray and starring Steven Seagal, Rob Van Dam, and Tim Abell. The movie follows a group of U.S. Special Forces soldiers on a rescue mission deep in enemy territory in Afghanistan, featuring plenty of tactical action and gunfights.

Plot Overview:

The story revolves around Sergeant Jake Chandler (Steven Seagal), a skilled sniper, who is part of a Special Ops team sent to rescue a U.S. Congressman captured by the Taliban during a mission in a remote Afghan village. While the team, led by Sergeant Vic Mosby (Tim Abell), successfully rescues the Congressman, Sergeant Chandler and a soldier, Richards (Daniel Booko), are left behind when Richards is injured during the firefight.

As the main team returns to base, Mosby learns that Chandler and Richards are trapped in the village and surrounded by Taliban forces. With no official help available, Mosby defies orders and leads a small group, including Corporal Vasquez (Rob Van Dam), back into enemy territory to extract their comrades. They must battle overwhelming odds and make use of Chandler’s sniper skills to survive and complete the mission.

Key Characters:

• Sergeant Jake Chandler (Steven Seagal): The calm and composed sniper of the Special Ops team. Chandler is a highly experienced soldier, using his lethal sniper skills to protect his comrades and take out enemies from a distance.
• Sergeant Vic Mosby (Tim Abell): The team leader who makes tough decisions and leads the mission to rescue Chandler. Mosby is determined and willing to risk his career to save his men.
• Corporal Vasquez (Rob Van Dam): A key member of Mosby’s team who assists in the mission to bring back Chandler and Richards. Vasquez is a tough and reliable soldier, helping to provide firepower during the rescue.
• Richards (Daniel Booko): The injured soldier left behind with Chandler, Richards is in a vulnerable position and relies on Chandler’s skills for survival.

Themes:

1. Brotherhood and Loyalty: The film emphasizes the bond between soldiers, showing how they are willing to risk everything to bring their comrades back from enemy territory. Mosby’s decision to defy orders reflects the military code of never leaving anyone behind.
2. Sniper Expertise: A major theme of the movie is showcasing the precision and skill required of snipers in combat situations. Seagal’s character, Sergeant Chandler, plays a crucial role in eliminating threats and protecting his fellow soldiers from a distance.
3. Courage Under Fire: The characters demonstrate bravery in the face of overwhelming odds, particularly as they navigate through a hostile environment surrounded by enemy forces.

Action and Combat:

As expected from a war film centered on Special Ops soldiers, Sniper: Special Ops features a number of action-packed combat scenes. The most notable are the sniper sequences, where Chandler uses his long-range rifle to take down enemies, providing cover for his team. These scenes highlight the precision and patience required of snipers.

However, much of the film’s action is relatively low-budget compared to bigger war films, focusing more on smaller, tactical skirmishes rather than large-scale battles. The pace is slow in certain parts, and the movie has been criticized for lacking intensity in some of its combat scenes.

Reception:

The film received mostly negative reviews from critics, with many pointing out the lackluster action and slow pacing. Steven Seagal‘s performance was critiqued for being low-energy, and the overall production value was seen as inferior to more polished war movies. Some viewers, however, appreciated Seagal’s presence and the tactical nature of the film, especially for fans of military action movies. Rob Van Dam, as a former professional wrestler, also brought a certain appeal to the film for wrestling fans, although his character wasn’t given much development.

Conclusion:

Sniper: Special Ops (2016) is a straightforward military action film that focuses on loyalty, courage, and the skills of a sniper in the heat of battle. While it doesn’t stand out for its action or story, fans of Steven Seagal and military-themed movies may find some entertainment in its small-scale tactical missions. The film’s low-budget production and uneven pacing, however, make it less appealing for those looking for high-octane action or deep character development