Mr. Movie review: ‘War Dogs’ points fun but heavy fingers at government
Two twentysomething entrepreneurs go into arms dealing and end up with a $300 million U.S. government contract to provide weapons and ammunition for soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq.
While director Todd Phillips’ (The Hangover and its two sequels) movie isn’t completely true, it is based on what really happened. Jonah Hill and Miles Teller (the Divergent series) star as David Packouz and Efraim Diveroli. Also starring in a small role is Bradley Cooper.
The script is laugh-out-loud funny and highly entertaining, and while Teller has already proved to be a multi-faceted actor, Hill has been mostly stuck in comedy. Here, he stretches, and his dark side is intriguing, well done and leaves you hoping he’ll do more in the future.
While you’re laughing at much of this movie, it slowly evolves to say selling arms in secret deals really isn’t that funny. And for the government to make what they did illegal while giving them a nod and wink, it isn’t that funny either.
At that point War Dogs darts into heavier territory and becomes an equally well-done drama.
War Dogs
Director: Todd Phillips
Stars: Jonah Hill, Miles Teller, Ana De Armas, Bradley Cooper
Mr. Movie rating: 4 1/2 stars
Rated R for mature themes, language and violence. It’s playing at the Carmike 12, Fairchild Cinemas 12 and Queensgate 12 and at Walla Walla Grand Cinemas.
5 stars to 4 1/2 stars: Must see on the big screen.
4 stars to 3 1/2 stars: Good film, see it if it’s your type of movie.
3 stars to 2 1/2 stars: Wait until it comes out on DVD.
2 stars to 1 star: Don’t bother.
0 stars: Speaks for itself.
This story was originally published August 18, 2016 at 1:00 PM with the headline "Mr. Movie review: ‘War Dogs’ points fun but heavy fingers at government."