Monster Inc? - no... WAR Inc (War, Inc. (DVD))

Member Name: JJJJ

Product:	War, Inc. (DVD)
Date:	31/03/09 (278 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Clever in places, decent acting

Disadvantages: Too convoluted in some ares

Directed by Joshua Seftel, 'War Inc.' takes a satirical look the U.S.A's policy of invading and subsequently meddling in the affairs of Middle Eastern countries.

John Cusack stars as Brand Hauser, a political assassin sent to the fictional country of 'Turaqistan' with orders to kill Omar Sharif - not the actor, but the president of a neighbouring territory. Turaqistan is occupied by an American corporation which is being run by the ex-Vice President (Dan Ackroyd).

When Hauser reaches Turaqistan and sees the damage that the U.S has done to the place, in combination with meeting a beautiful liberal journalist who opposes the occupation (Marisa Tomei), he begins to re-think his choice of career. Things take a turn for the bizarre when popular singer 'Yonica BabyYeah' (Hillary Duff) chooses the country as a destination for her wedding with a violent minded Arab rapper.

From the start, the film depicts the commercialisation of war in an entertaining manner - we see footage of tanks which are sponsored by casinos, rolling into battle with huge banners and billboards attached to their sides, plus the various McDonalds clone restaraunts which are springing up in the region. Athough humourous, it does raise questions about the lengths which the U.S would be willing to go in order to force other cultures into accepting their way of life.

It is instantly apparent that as well as being highly satirical, there is an undertone of spoof running through the movie. This is entirely obvious with one particular scene (which wouldn't feel out of place in a Mel Brookes film) where a female group of war amputees with artificial limbs are encouraged to do the can-can - much to the disgust of Tomei's character.

On the whole, the acting throughout War Inc is of a high standard, with Cusack especially putting in a decent performance. He helps create a character who, although a killer, comes across as being full of humanity, and for the most part likeable. Also noteworthy is (John's sister) Joan Cusacks portrayal of Marsha Dillon, an undercover worker who is aware of Hausers orders to kill, and becomes increasingly frustrated when he fails to act on them.

Marisa Tomei, who has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity recently with her performance in 'The Wrestler', again shows her abilities as Natalie Hegalhuzen, a reporter who is disillusioned with the country she finds herself in. Tomei has a good chemistry with Cusack and the pair are entertaining to watch when on screen together.

I was pleasantly surprised with Hillary Duff, and her portrayal of the slightly deranged Britney Spears-esque singer. Not only was it billed as her "first adult role", but she had to put on a middle eastern accent throughout the movie which seemed fairly authentic.

Sir Ben Kingsley makes an appearance as the secretive boss known as 'Walken' who dishes out Cusacks orders with regards to who he kills. Unfortunatley for Hausen, Walken is unwilling to let him quit when he realises that what he is doing is morally unacceptable. As always, Kingsley puts in a great performance which climaxes in a highly entertaining final scene.

The film is certified as a 15 which is fairly lenient as there is plenty of language and strong violence - it would have certainly been rated an 18 only a few years back.

Although by no means exceptional, and occasionally suffering from a less than perfect script, War Inc makes for entertaining and thoughtful viewing - any film that questions the morality of war has to be a good thing in my opinion. Recommended.

Lead Roles
- - - - - - - -
John Cusack ... Brand Hauser

Hilary Duff ... Yonica Babyyeah

Marisa Tomei ... Natalie Hegalhuzen

Joan Cusack ... Marsha Dillon

Dan Aykroyd ... Mr. Vice President


The DVD version of War Inc costs £9.99 from Amazon.

Summary: Satirical Black Comedy