Sniper: Rogue Mission (2022)

Plot Overview

In this ninth installment of the long-running Sniper franchise, CIA operative Brandon Beckett goes rogue after uncovering a federal agent's involvement in a human trafficking ring. With no support from the agency, he joins forces with Homeland Security Agent Zero and elite assassin Lady Death. Together, the trio fights to bring the criminal network down, navigating a web of corruption, betrayal, and brutal violence.

Franchise Context

The Sniper series began in 1993 and has evolved through numerous sequels, many of which were direct-to-video releases. Brandon Beckett, son of original sniper Thomas Beckett (played by Tom Berenger), has taken the spotlight in recent entries. Rogue Mission continues his story, leaning heavily into action-thriller territory with modern themes and heavier stakes.

Style & Production

• The film is fast-paced, with a heavy focus on shootouts, hand-to-hand combat, and covert ops.

• Action scenes are gritty but often undercut by forced humor and predictable dialogue.

• Production values remain modest, with a tone that oscillates between serious military drama and campy genre fun.

• Includes scenes of intense violence, including shootings, stabbings, and elements related to human trafficking.

Reception

• Critical Response: Largely negative. The film has been described as formulaic, with some critics calling it "meatheaded" and lacking substance.

• Audience Feedback: Mixed to negative. While some franchise fans appreciate the action and returning characters, others criticize the film’s uneven tone, weak script, and lack of suspense.

• IMDb Score: Around 4.7/10, reflecting lukewarm audience reception.

Fan Reactions

Many longtime fans of the series expressed disappointment:

"It feels like a parody of the earlier films. The music doesn’t fit, and the tone is all over the place."
"Not terrible, but definitely not what I was hoping for from a tactical sniper film."

The general sentiment is that the franchise has shifted toward over-the-top action at the expense of the grounded military realism that once defined it.

Recommended For:

• Die-hard fans of the Sniper series

• Viewers looking for low-commitment, high-action thrillers

• Audiences who enjoy vigilante justice and covert ops narratives

Not Recommended For:

• Those seeking nuanced storytelling or realistic military tactics

• Viewers sensitive to violence or themes involving trafficking

• Fans of earlier Sniper films expecting serious tone and character development

Final Verdict

Sniper: Rogue Mission delivers what it promises: explosive action, familiar characters, and a straightforward revenge plot. However, it stumbles with inconsistent tone, lackluster writing, and an over-reliance on clichés. For casual action fans, it may offer brief thrills. For others, it might feel like a franchise spinning its wheels.