on
WAR DOGS (2016, 114 minutes, R)
The
Quick of It -
This
week I had choices. You would think
that there is a preferred choice, and that is mostly true. This week's preferred choice should probably
have been BEN-HUR. While I am not a
purest, and do enjoy a good Roman movie, this did not appeal to my sense of
'need' at the moment. I needed
something with a little more edge and possibly a laugh or two.
Of
course as the movie is starting, I am questioning my choice... why wouldn't
I. WAR DOGS doesn't promise much but
looks like it may have some decent moments.
We have Miles Teller and Jonah Hill playing an 'arms dealer duo' that is
based on a true story - of David Packouz and Efraim Diveroli, who capitalized
on the fall of the arms race era.
The
studio sold this as a comedy, which is not entirely true. Yes, director Todd Phillips is known for the
HANGOVERs and OLD SCHOOOL, but his was not in that vein of "ha-ha". Instead, it was a blending of a true story
style progression with comedy sprinkled in, and was the correct formula. The movie was broken into chapters for
better transitions and avoided the choppier formats prevalent in 'based on real
events' movies. Adding the narration of
the lead character, Packouz, the final product felt more like a visual
book. I call that a win!
The
acting was above par. There were some
stereotyping going on for minor characters, some added character quirks to add
flavor, and situational levity for attempts at uniqueness. But this story has been told before... or so
it would seem. Hill's laugh for the
character was by far the funniest part.
Every time... every time... made
me chuckle. Seeing the ruggedly good
looking Bradley Cooper in a pair of thick-lens glasses almost pulled off a
Clark Kent. You couldn't help but stare
into those bulbous eyes.
So
my choice for this week was sort of a win.
Not sure even as I write this, but I was not disappointed either. You get what you paid for here. Hill is great, Teller can carry a lead role,
and Phillips can shine as a director and story crafter.
Grade:
B-
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