Sniper: Rogue Mission (2022) review: corruption and power

Directed by: Oliver Thompson

Starring: Chad Michael Collins, Ryan Robbins, Sayaka Akimoto, Brendan Sexton III, Josh Brener, Dennis
Haysbert

Synopsis: When a crooked federal agent is involved in a human sex trafficking ring, Sniper and CIA Rookie Brandon Beckett (Chad Michael Collins) goes rogue, teaming up with his former allies Homeland Security Agent Zero (Ryan Robbins of TV’s “Riverdale”) and assassin Lady Death (Sayaka Akimoto) to uncover the
corrupt agent and take down the criminal organization. Josh Brener (TV’s “Silicon Valley”) and Dennis
Haysbert (TV’s “24”) co-star in this intense, gritty action thriller.

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Action star, Chad Collins explodes back onto our screens as elite sniper, Brandon Beckett.

Times have changed for Brandon, the globe trotting sniper. He’s traded in his military combats for a work suit and given up his 50.CAL for a day job with the C.I.A, shackled to a desk. It’s always a pleasure to see Chad Collins play the role of Brandon Beckett, a character close to his heart.

Corrupt strings are pulled

Sniper: Rogue Mission takes a completely different turn to the rest of the Sniper movies. Instead of the usual opening with an action-packed bang, Brandon is on a milder reconnaissance mission. But with this mission comes trouble. Brandon makes a tactical citizen’s arrest of an amoral agent for allowing a trafficking suspect to go free. But when a few corrupt strings are pulled, Brandon is fired.

Dennis Haysbert makes a zealous return as Brandon’s boss, Stone. He knows corruption is at hand and is reluctant to let Brandon go. Haysbert is always watchable. From his supporting role in the hit series, 24, to watching him mow-down bad guys in the military series, The Unit, Haysbert has always delivered a stoic performance—and this is no different.

Cold-blooded executions

Ryan Robbins is back as the heroic, Agent Zero. He is hot on the tail of the depraved traffickers and gains insight into the hidden location where the abducted women are being kept. But when the baddies learn the agents are on route, they begin swift, cold-blooded executions. This scene is brutally disturbing for what it represents—in the real world, people can be used and disposed of like commodities.

One victim, Julie, escapes and Agent Zero helps her lay low at his ex-wife’s house that she shares with her new husband. Brandon meets Zero and Julie here for dinner which sets up a humorously competitive “family issues” table scene. The franchise is clearly exploring new territories and leans on a more comedic approach here which is something we haven’t seen in the Sniper films until now.

A rogue film

Director, Oliver Thompson, wrote this instalment as well as the previous, Sniper: Assassins End. While the comedic elements can be uplifting, they can, at points, overshadow the trafficking storyline. It’s definitely a stepping stone to keeping the franchise fresh and it’s clear to see the waters are being tested. Testing only works if you listen to feedback, though, right? Action Reloaded feedback: Go back to trigger-squeezing, fast-moving, stone-cold action. Please and thankyou.

I suppose with the franchise being on its ninth movie, it’s only natural to try and add a bit of spice to it. To be fair, the depraved storyline brings the spice. It’s realist and shows how the rich and powerful CEO’s, politicians and law enforcement can be involved in sex-trafficking rings, showing how power can be exploited in the real world.

Dramatic comeback

Lady Death also makes a dramatic comeback where she reunites with the guys in their gripping fight against the traffickers. She has been lying low since the edge-of-your-seat finale of the previous movie, working as a waitress. Interestingly, we get to learn some truths about her character and what led to her life as an assassin.

A bit of light-heartedness

Sniper: Rogue Mission (2022) is a unique entry into the franchise, trying to bring in elements of humor. Although not needed, and sometimes overshadowing, some fans may enjoy a bit of light-heartedness. But die-hard action fans, especially for the Sniper movies, will want to bear that in mind before believing you’re in for a typical action-packed Sniper film.