Review of In the Loop (2009) by Seth S — 25 Jul 2014

At the risk of sounding too esoteric (which, in and of itself, might be a fairly esoteric word to use), I think modern comedies are completely worthless. My taste doesn't line up with what most people think is funny nowadays ... he said pretentiously. Without trying to be a jerk, let me try to illustrate my point: look at what's rolling into theaters this week, Tammy - Melissa McCarthy's latest humiliation. Having your star run into a wall with a paper bag on her head does not pass as comedy to me. Everything that can go wrong, does go wrong road trips typically do not cut it. Project X parties shown on screen hold no appeal. I guess what all these things have in common is the fact that I don't like comedy that bashes you over the head.

Which is why, if I were asked to name a favorite comedy, Dr. Strangelove springs right to mind. It's a movie full of talking. Very few punchlines. Just talking. Clever dialogue. That's what I love about that movie, and that's what I love about In the Loop.

In the Loop is a British political satire. It's a spin-off of the BBC TV show, The Thick of It. The movie centers around the start of a war in the Middle East. We see both the London side and the Washington side. The story follows Simon Foster, the bumbling Minister for International Development. Simon and his aid Toby travel to America to attend a hush-hush war council meeting.

The one main thing that I didn't like about this movie was a lack of clarity. I felt like I missed/didn't understand a good bit of the story. Which does encourage re-watches, which is not a bad thing in this case. But other than that, for a movie about people talking, In the Loop is shockingly entertaining!

And that is thanks in large part to the fantastic script. The screenplay was nominated for an Academy Award back in 2009 - not too shabby for a little million dollar TV show spin-off. The script presents pitch black humor in the most direct of ways. It acts as a fly on the wall. We're just lucky enough to be able to sneak a peek. A lot of the dialogue in this film is absolutely terrific.

Because this is a comedy, and a comedy that is extremely well done, it takes a very heavy topic and turns it into something hilarious! Take this log line: UK and U.S. government officials work feverishly to either instigate or prevent war in the Middle East. Give that movie to Danny Boyle and you have a 100% legitimate drama. But the way this movie presents the story is so much better. In true Dr. Strangelove fashion, we wind up simultaneously shaking our heads in shock and shaking all over with laughter.

The movie shows how petty and stupid the whole governmental process can be. And it does it in an overbearingly profane way. The main character is a master at dropping F bombs in the most creative of ways. On one side, it's undeniably excessive, but it's also in large part what makes the movie funny. You can't accuse In the Loop of trying to hide anything.

The cast does a masterful job of delivering the brilliant script to the screen. One of the main reasons I watched this movie was for Peter Capaldi, Doctor #12. His portrayal of Malcolm Tucker is the most vicious and scenery chewing piece of acting I have ever seen in my life. Nothing and no one is safe from Malcolm Tucker. "The oncoming storm?" Yes and yes.

The supporting cast is also excellent. Tom Hollander is truly funny as the mousy British government official. Anna Chlumsky and Chris Addison make good impressions as stomped on underlings. Plus, look for Steve Coogan in a smaller role.

This movie functions as a satire on an incredibly high level. No, it's not Dr. Strangelove. But when it comes to making politics funny (and making fun of politics), In the Loop is solidly number two on the list.

"Climbing the mountain of conflict? You sounded like a Nazi Julie Andrews!" 8/10.