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The US and UK governments are looking to get into a war with a non-disclosed country, but the only problem is that not everyone is sure that a war is the best action. While this topic may hit home with the events of the past administrations of both countries and the events currently happening in Iraq, this movie has nothing to do with actual current politics and everything to do with the hilarious side of political power moves and bumbling fools. Very much in the light of most British comedies, “In the Loop” is not a movie for everyone, but the timing, support cast acting and script are brilliant if you can get past the vulgarity.
Taking place in a rather short period of time, the movie follows many different story lines with a common thread — namely politics and tabloids are much more related than one might imagine. Completely in the form of satire, the movie shows how a bumbling politician with poor speaking skills, a psychotic public relations staff member and a goofy (and horny) government aid can lead a country into war through a series of stupid and seemingly unimportant actions. The movie also has a very cheeky way of promoting the rather ridiculous way breaking news is generated in today’s technological and fast paced world where accuracy is second to exclusivity. Taking sound bites out of context and leaking sensitive material for the sake of political and person gain also rings quite true in the light of the recent WikiLeaks articles.
Written and directed by a top notch cast of British comedy television all-stars, the film is fast paced and filmed in an almost amateur nature. Lots of jump cuts and scene changes leave the viewer often confused or feeling like something is missing. This method would be a deterrent in most movies but due to the subject matter and an underlying statement (that no one in government knows what the hell is going on) the awkward filming feels just right. The script is quite deep in comedy and slight references. I am sure that even after multiple viewings I would continue to pick up on small things in nearly each scene.
As I mentioned earlier, this movie may not be for everyone but the acting, script and overall preposterous (yet sadly believable) plot makes me want to recommend it to anyone that likes british or witty comedies. The language is quite strong (think drunken sailor on shore leave after a few too many drinks) and I cannot recommend the movie to anyone sensitive to vulgarity and crude, off-color comments. If you look past that however, the movie has an almost childish quality that draws you in and makes you just sit back and laugh.
Equally enjoyable dry comedies:
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