Review of Four Lions (2010) by Garry T — 25 Feb 2011

In a fairly exceptional manner, 'Four Lions' tells the story of five (and then four) idiots from Sheffield who become radicalized and aspire to become British Jihadist wannabes. Basically, it's like watching The Three Stooges try to become terrorists.

'Four Lions' seems like it takes place on a different planet. Omar (Rizwan Ahmed) is the leader of the pack of fools whose aim is to train with the Pakistani Mujaheddin and eventually serve God's divine plan by going about a large attack. Yes, 'Four Lions' clearly seems like a film that over-steps its bounds by hitting at the heart of the innocent and free. However, it seemed as if JUST enough time had passed that suicide bombings and terrorist attacks would be considered okay to poke fun at. Omar's partners' Waj (Kayvan Novak) and Barry (Nigel Lindsay), a converted Catholic-turned-Muslim are set in their ways to accomplish an attack of epic proportions. The only problem is, they're all bumbling idiots.

Without giving too much away, the only thing that can be said is that it would be wise to walk into this film taking the content with a grain of salt. However, you'll definitely experience more laughs than cries. Maybe a few shocks.

The oddest thing about 'Four Lions' was the accepting nature which came from Omar's family. Early on in the film, you see Omar and his family watching Jihad "blooper" clips of the group and them all discussing how they will somehow get to meet their goals. It's as if the family accepts Omar's choices to blow himself up and be accepted into Heaven. Maybe it isn't odd, or maybe it's religious foundation that makes it simple enough for them to understand, but difficult for viewers/secularists to garner. Regardless, it came off as twisted, difficult to understand (at first), but overall, very interesting toward an already-controversial plot.

Now, is this a recommendable film? Sure -- to those who are open to unique concepts such as this one. However, if the idea or concept of terrorism doesn't sit well with you, something tells me you won't be grabbing your sides from laughter. 'Four Lions' easily takes you into an emotional ride of (mostly) laughs, but then changes at the climax for something that everyone might come across differently.