Sniper: Assassin's End (2020)

Title: Sniper: Assassin's End (2020) – A High-Stakes Chapter in the Long-Running Franchise

Directed by: Kaare Andrews
Written by: Oliver Thompson
Starring: Chad Michael Collins, Tom Berenger, Sayaka Akimoto, Lochlyn Munro, Ryan Robbins
Genre: Action, Thriller
Release Date: June 16, 2020 (Direct-to-video)
Country: United States
Runtime: 95 minutes

Overview:

Sniper: Assassin's End is the eighth installment in the long-running Sniper film series, which began in 1993. This chapter reunites Chad Michael Collins as master marksman Brandon Beckett and legendary actor Tom Berenger as Thomas Beckett, the original elite sniper. The film blends intense gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, espionage, and a dash of political intrigue, continuing the tradition of military-themed action the franchise is known for.

Plot Summary:

After a mysterious political assassination, elite Special Ops sniper Brandon Beckett is falsely accused of the crime. On the run and hunted by the CIA, Russian mercenaries, and a lethal Yakuza-trained assassin known only as Lady Death, Brandon must uncover the truth behind the conspiracy before it’s too late.

With nowhere else to turn, he reunites with his estranged father, Thomas Beckett, a legendary Marine sniper who has lived in self-imposed exile. Together, father and son team up to expose a covert operation and stop a dangerous power grab within the U.S. government. What follows is a brutal journey filled with deception, betrayals, and deadly shootouts across forests and isolated compounds.

Main Characters:

• Brandon Beckett (Chad Michael Collins): A highly trained Marine sniper framed for a political killing. Collins delivers a grounded performance, portraying Brandon as both tactical and vulnerable.

• Thomas Beckett (Tom Berenger): The retired but not forgotten legendary sniper. Berenger's return adds a nostalgic weight, showcasing the wisdom and sharp instincts of a veteran.

• Lady Death / Yuki Mifune (Sayaka Akimoto): A mysterious assassin trained in the ways of the Yakuza. Silent, deadly, and complex, she becomes one of the film’s most compelling antagonists.

• Zeke “Zero” Rosenberg (Ryan Robbins): Brandon’s tech-savvy ally who provides intel and support from behind the scenes.

• CIA Agent Franklin (Lochlyn Munro): A slippery government figure whose motives aren’t always clear.

Themes and Style:

The film dives into familiar action-thriller themes: government conspiracy, betrayal, honor among soldiers, and the bond between father and son. While the script is fairly straightforward, it successfully keeps viewers engaged with fast-paced action and unexpected twists.

The combat sequences are tight and cleanly choreographed. Sniper shootouts are handled with precision, emphasizing strategy over chaos. Director Kaare Andrews, known for his work in both film and comic books, brings a sleek visual style, especially in the forest-set encounters and the tense finale.

Reception:

While Sniper: Assassin's End was a direct-to-video release, it gained positive feedback from fans of the series and action enthusiasts. Many praised the chemistry between Collins and Berenger and the inclusion of a strong female antagonist. The film doesn’t break new ground but is appreciated for staying true to its franchise roots and delivering what fans expect—solid action and suspense.

It received moderate critical praise for its tight pacing and production quality, especially considering its lower budget. On platforms like Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb, viewer ratings hovered in the average-to-positive range, highlighting it as one of the better entries in the latter half of the series.

Conclusion:

Sniper: Assassin's End offers a satisfying continuation of a long-standing franchise, delivering a well-crafted blend of old-school sniper action and modern thriller elements. For fans of military action, conspiracies, and sharp-shooting showdowns, this installment delivers the goods—bolstered by the presence of Tom Berenger and a refreshing turn from Sayaka Akimoto as the deadly Lady Death.

Though not revolutionary, the film is a testament to how a low-budget franchise can still pack a punch with the right blend of cast, pacing, and action.