The same weekend that Clint Eastwood's American Sniper is breaking box office records right after receiving plenty of Academy Award nominations, Michael Moore decided to jump on the bandwagon and weigh in with his thoughts.
Because he's Michael Moore and that's what he does.
My uncle killed by sniper in WW2. We were taught snipers were cowards. Will shoot u in the back. Snipers aren't heroes. And invaders r worse
— Michael Moore (@MMFlint) January 18, 2015
But if you're on the roof of your home defending it from invaders who've come 7K miles, you are not a sniper, u are brave, u are a neighbor. — Michael Moore (@MMFlint) January 19, 2015
If you'll notice, he didn't mention American Sniper by name, but his thoughts are being retweeted and reported on in the context of the movie. After the media picked up the story, Moore felt the need to set the record straight on Facebook.
His comments are a little confusing. He started by saying his sniper comments on Twitter weren't aimed at American Sniper, but at the man who killed Martin Luther King, Jr. with a sniper rifle, because today is MLK's holiday. Then he offered his thoughts on the movie (he heaped praise on Bradley Cooper, not so much on Clint Eastwood), before finishing with, "I think most Americans don't think snipers are heroes."
And Americans had plenty of thoughts in reply to that last part.
Newt Gingrich didn't appreciate Moore's comments.
Michael Moore should spend a few weeks with ISIS and Boko Haram. Then he might appreciate@AmericanSniper. I am proud of our defenders.
— Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) January 19, 2015
Rob Lowe was taken aback.
"@THR: Michael Moore Blasts #AmericanSniper Hero: Gunmen Are "Cowards" https://t.co/Bftmv4RF9F https://t.co/GM9oXo26sk" He's kidding, right? — Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) January 19, 2015
Seth Rogen had a random criticism for the movie.
American Sniper kind of reminds me of the movie that's showing in the third act of Inglorious Basterds.
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) January 18, 2015
Everyone else on Twitter wanted Moore to be tarred and feathered. (Seriously, we couldn't find a single pro-Moore tweet.)
I'm absolutely thrilled that the ass-kicking success of American Sniper is chapping the anti-American hides of progs like @MMFlint. — SFK (@stephenkruiser) January 18, 2015
Hey Michael Moore, donate your millions to military families since you made your millions BECAUSE OF THEIR COURAGE. #Independence
— Laura Freed (@heyLauraFreed) January 19, 2015
Just another day Michael Moore says idiotic things to get attention. — Jessica Smeak (@JessicaAnnSmeak) January 19, 2015
I wish I loved something as much as I hate Michael Moore.
— Charlie (@_correctomundo) January 19, 2015
People, please ignore Michael Moore. He's been trolling since before the term was coined. This is the same guy who thought OJ was innocent. — Jonah Goldberg (@JonahNRO) January 18, 2015
So what do you think? Is Michael Moore an opportunist latching onto the latest hot topic to promote his own brand? Or was he genuinely speaking his mind?
