Home video review: 'American Sniper' treats subject as martyred hero

In "American Sniper" (R, Warner), Bradley Cooper stars in Clint Eastwood's respectful — if somewhat superficial — treatment of decorated Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle's 2012 memoir of the same name. The film treats Kyle, who was honored with the sobriquet "The Legend" during four tours of duty in Iraq, as a martyred hero. And while that may be justified, Cooper's portrayal — while less than reverential — also reveals a man remarkably unburdened by conscience. As Kyle's wife (Sienna Miller) tells him, "It's pretty egotistical to think you can protect us all." Contains strong and disturbing war violence, and language throughout, including some sexual references.