Review of In the Loop (2009) by Stuart K — 06 Feb 2015

Based upon the TV series The Thick of It, created by Armando Iannucci, who co-wrote and directed this film. The series satirised the inner-workings of the British government, for the film version, Iannucci and his team set their targets higher, and took on the dangerous world of Anglo-American politics, especially in the light of the War on Terror.

It's a savage film, but there are good laughs to be had. There's unrest in the Middle East, and when new Minister for International Development Simon Foster (Tom Hollander) says on Radio 4 that war in the Middle East is "unforeseeable", Foster finds himself being read the riot act by spin doctor Malcolm Tucker (Peter Capaldi).

However, Foster's comments make waves over in Washington, where US Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomacy Karen Clarke (Mimi Kennedy) and General George Miller (James Gandolfini) believe they could use Foster as a meat puppet to oppose the war, as America doesn't have enough troops.

So Foster, his aide Toby Wright (Chris Addison) and Tucker head to America. Politics have changed a lot since the days of being satirised on Yes, Minister. Now, it's a cutthroat world, full of backstabbing and trivia and games being played out.

It's a TV to film adaptation which works well, as the scope is widened and the targets are now on both sides of the Atlantic. It has some hilarious dialogue as well.