Today’s quick review: War, Inc. Hauser (John Cusack) works as a hitman for Tamerlane, an enormous corporation with its own private military. For his next assassination, the Vice President (Dan Aykroyd) sends him to Tamerlane-occupied Turaqistan in the guise of a trade show producer. But to get to his target, Hauser will first have to deal with a nosy reporter (Marisa Tomei), an unstable pop star (Hilary Duff), and the pangs of his own conscience.
War, Inc. is a political satire set in the fictional Middle Eastern country of Turaqistan. John Cusack stars as Hauser, an amoral fixer with a silver tongue and nagging doubts about his choice of profession. War, Inc. takes aim at US foreign policy, corporations, and military contractors. The movie scores a few hits thanks to its absurd comedy and dedication to its premise, but its odd tone and hit-or-miss humor leave it a niche pick at best.
War, Inc.’s strong political bent is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it motivates an enegertic world and gives the film plenty of fodder for its absurd humor. On the other hand, it robs the film of subtlety and undermines what could otherwise be needle-sharp criticism. The movie’s best jokes are the ones that are funny for their own sake. The ones that try too hard to make a point end up coming across as bitter.
How much you get out of War, Inc. will depend on your taste in humor and politics. The ridiculous and sometimes crude nature of the film’s humor will turn off some viewers, while others will dislike the way it handles its politics. Still, enough of its jokes hit the mark that the right viewr will have a fun time. But those who are looking for consistent humor, subtle satire, or a comedy that’s less topical will want to steer clear.
For an even more absurd political comedy in the same vein, try Team America: World Police. For one that takes a more subdued approach, try Casino Jack, The Men Who Stare at Goats, or Doctor Strangelove. For a more sober look at similar political questions, try Lord of War or Syriana. For a more heartfelt comedy starring John Cusack, try Grosse Pointe Blank. For a pure comedy with an absurd sense of humor, try Airplane! or Hot Shots!.
5.7 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.0 to 6.5 for hit-or-miss humor with niche appeal.