Cert 15
112 mins
BBFC advice: Contains very strong language, strong sex references, injury detail, drug use
Anyone who has seen the trailer for Whiskey Tango Foxtrot would have been under the impression that it is a rather hackneyed comedy.
That false representation is amplified by the descriptions on major movie sites such as internet movie database.
But I found Glenn Ficarra and John Requa's movie to be much deeper that its publicity material would suggest.
There are elements of humour about the story of a female American war correspondent in Afghanistan but this is laid alongside brutal action, tragedy and even betrayal.
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is based on the book of reporter Kim Barker, played in the movie by Tina Fey.
It is true that there are farcical rather than pure comedy moments during her assignment but much of the movie surrounds the darker side of war reporting.
There is heavy emphasis on the gallows humour of fellow journalists and the manner in which they become desensitised.
Barker has to run the gauntlet of men on the prowl for sex and these include an Afghan minister (Alfred Molina) as well as a fellow hack (Martin Freeman).
She also has to prove herself to a sceptical military leadership, particularly a caustic general (Billy Bob Thornton).
And, along the way she takes the advice of a fellow female journalist (Margot Robbie) who is not afraid to use her feminine charms to get her story.
I was not looking forward to Whiskey Tango Foxtrot because its publicity made it look like at a poor man's Carry On Up The Khyber.
Actually, thanks to an engaging performance by Fey, it is rather enjoyable. It's a shame its release came so close to Bill Murray's Rock The Kasbah.
Reasons to watch: Really engaging performance by Tina Fey
Reasons to avoid: If you think it is going to be the comedy its trailer suggests
Laughs: three
Jumps: none
Vomit: yes
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 7.5/10
Star tweet
"I wanted to write something that people would be able to read and not even realise that they were learning...
No comments:
Post a Comment