The true story of airline pilot turned drug smuggler turned CIA aid Barry Seal comes to life in director Doug Liman’s film “American Made.”
The film’s charismatic anti-hero, Barry Seal, is played by Tom Cruise, who provides an excellent performance.
Cruise’s performance easily compares to his performance in Top Gun. Seal, like Maverick, possesses both a talent for flying and an unhealthy amount of self-confidence.
The film is interestingly constructed. Scenes are organized chronologically and combined with a series of clips that show Seal reflecting on the events in what seems like a self-made video. 
These clips help show the more human side of Seal’s character and almost give those watching a feeling of foreboding about what is to become of the charming Cajun.
Actor Mauricio Mejia also gives a standout performance as Pablo Escobar, a menacing man of few words.
Mejia’s lack of dialogue gives his character a mysterious quality which steadily reveals a dark nature and creates even more fear for the fate of Barry Seal.
In addition, the cinematography and the locations for the film are stunning. During one scene that stands out, Seal and his wife attend a lavish party at Escobar’s.
The party scene shows Escobar’s expansive and lavish dominion and some of the disturbing forms of entertainment he indulges in. 
One such form of entertainment included throwing rolls of money into a ring with a bull while a man attempts to grab as much money as he can without being gored.
This scene feels like an analogy for Seal’s situation. These same individuals are throwing him exorbitant amounts of money which he takes, like an idiot. It is clear he will eventually be gored by Escobar. 
Another notable scene depicts the obscene amount of money Seal accrues from working with Escobar. Seal’s home is bursting at the seams with money. He even resorts to keeping it in the stalls of his horses.
While Seal’s situation at first appears comic and even enviable, little good comes from obtaining this much money, let alone drug money. Money with a questionable origin always comes at a price.
The movie is interesting, though it is not Oscar-worthy by any means. The movie provides an action-packed, comic and tragic look at a figure associated with Escobar’s legendary drug empire, and I think most people would find it at least entertaining. 
Although this movie claims to be “based on a true story,” this does not necessarily mean the film is entirely historically accurate.
Director Doug Liman said the film “a fun lie based on a true story.” It is indeed a fun lie, filled with fast planes and an absurd amount of cocaine.