Sen. John McCain criticized Monday the “pettiness” of critics of the new movie “American Sniper.”
The chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and military veteran had harsh words for those who have criticized the Clint Eastwood film, which depicts the life of U.S. Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle.
“This film depicts with subtlety and compassion those brave few who serve our nation in uniform, their experiences in the horror of war, the burdens they often bear upon returning home, and the untold sacrifices of their families,” the Arizona Republican said in a statement.
“It is deeply regrettable that obsessive critics of U.S. foreign policy have sought to disparage this film and denigrate the memory of a noble American warrior,” McCain said.
“Fortunately, their pettiness has not stopped millions of Americans from seeing American Sniper, and hopefully in the process, gaining a greater appreciation for the service and sacrifice of America’s military service members and their families,” he added.
Critics have been upset at how Eastwood portrayed the late Kyle, who is credited with being the most deadly sniper in U.S. history. Kyle served four tours in Iraq before being shot dead at a gun range by a mentally ill veteran he was helping.
“American Sniper” is reportedly set to make $300 million in earnings in just its second week at the box office.
