The ending of Fortress: Sniper’s Eye is predictable and underwhelming. The film fails to deliver the excitement and tension promised by its title.
Fortress: Sniper’s Eye, released in 2022, is an action-packed sequel to the 2021 film Fortress. Directed by Josh Sternfeld, it stars Bruce Willis, Jesse Metcalfe, and Chad Michael Murray. The movie continues the story of Robert Michaels and his son Paul as they face new threats.
Plot Overview
The story picks up a few weeks after the first movie. Robert Michaels, played by Bruce Willis, tries to rescue Sasha, the widow of his old enemy, Frederick Balzary. But things get complicated when Sasha reveals her own plans, and Balzary turns out to be alive. Robert and Paul must team up to stop these new dangers.
The film is set in a secret resort for retired U.S. intelligence officers. This setting adds an engaging twist to the plot. The characters face various challenges, making the story engaging despite its predictability.
Climactic Confrontation
The climax happens at the Fortress, a secret resort. Frederick Balzary, played by Chad Michael Murray, attacks the compound with mercenaries. This attack happens during a visit from Kelly’s mother and sister, adding more tension.
Balzary’s attack is a key moment in the film. He takes Kate hostage to force Paul into hacking high-stakes financial systems. This part of the movie is intense but also predictable. The security at the Fortress is not as tight as expected, making it easy for Balzary to infiltrate.
Resolution and Character Arcs
In the final act, Robert, despite being injured, plays a crucial role. Confined to a hospital bed, he still manages to help. Paul and the other characters work together to stop Balzary’s plans. The film tries to wrap up loose ends from the first movie while hinting at future conflicts.
The resolution is straightforward. The characters manage to thwart Balzary’s plans, but the ending lacks excitement. The film’s title, Sniper’s Eye, suggests a tense sniper duel, which the movie does not deliver.
Critical Reception
The ending received mixed to negative reviews. Critics pointed out the lack of excitement and the film’s failure to deliver on its premise. The title suggests a thrilling sniper duel, but the movie falls short.
Box Office and Reception
The film grossed $69,075 in the United Arab Emirates and Portugal. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 0% rating based on seven reviews, with an average rating of 2/10. This critical reception highlights the film’s shortcomings in script and execution.
| Country | Box Office Gross |
|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | $69,075 |
| Portugal | $69,075 |
Bruce Willis’s Performance
Bruce Willis’s performance is notable. Given his recent diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia, his limited screen time reflects his health challenges. Despite being confined to a hospital bed for much of the film, his presence adds a layer of poignancy.
Conclusion
Fortress: Sniper’s Eye ends on a predictable and somewhat underwhelming note. The climax and resolution fail to deliver the excitement and tension promised by its title. The critical reception and box office performance further underscore the film’s shortcomings. Despite these issues, the movie serves as one of Bruce Willis’s final performances, adding a layer of poignancy to its viewing.
