Fortress: Sniper's Eye (2022)

Overview

Fortress: Sniper’s Eye is a direct-to-video action thriller and the sequel to Fortress (2021). Returning to a familiar high-security bunker setting, the film follows ex-CIA agent Robert Michaels (Bruce Willis) and his son Paul (Jesse Metcalfe) as they once again face off against the vengeful arms dealer Frederick Balzary, played by Chad Michael Murray.

With explosive confrontations and hidden motives, the film attempts to deliver tension and action in a tightly confined setup—but struggles with execution.

Plot Summary

Following the first film’s events, Robert is recovering in a secure facility while Paul manages the remnants of the intelligence operation. When Sasha, the presumed widow of Balzary, reappears under suspicious circumstances, Paul is pulled into another deadly game.

Unbeknownst to them, Balzary is still alive—and this time, he’s bringing a full assault. As the fortress comes under siege once again, father and son must work together to survive and stop the enemy they thought they had already defeated.

Main Cast

• Bruce Willis as Robert Michaels

• Jesse Metcalfe as Paul Michaels

• Chad Michael Murray as Frederick Balzary

• Kelly Greyson as Sasha

• Ser’Darius Blain, Michael Sirow, and others return in supporting roles

Action & Style

• Primarily set within a bunker compound

• Features gunfights, surveillance tech, and face-to-face confrontations

• Action sequences are modest and restrained due to budget limitations

• Bruce Willis has limited screen time; much of his role is passive or dialogue-driven

Tone & Themes

• Revenge and survival

• Father-son loyalty

• Double-crosses and hidden agendas

• Echoes familiar action-thriller tropes from early 2000s straight-to-DVD fare

Reception

• Widely criticized for weak dialogue, predictable plot, and low production value

• Action scenes are sparse and lack intensity

• Chad Michael Murray delivers a charismatic villain performance, but the script offers little depth

• Considered one of Bruce Willis’s final screen appearances prior to his retirement from acting

Verdict

Fortress: Sniper’s Eye delivers exactly what it promises: a basic, formulaic action sequel with familiar faces and minimal surprises. It’s more of a curiosity piece for Bruce Willis completists than a must-see for action fans. While the film hints at suspense and high stakes, it rarely rises above its limitations.