Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (2016)

Directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa
Written by Robert Carlock, based on the book "The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan" by Kim Barker
Starring Tina Fey, Margot Robbie, Martin Freeman and Christopher Abbott

Feeling trapped by her mundane desk journalism job, Kim Baker (changed for some reason) makes a decision to find more adventure in her life by taking a position as a war journalist in Afghanistan.

On the surface, due to a misleading advertisement, this would appear to be just another situational comedy. When I first viewed the trailer, I perceived it as one of those standard comedies that takes a slightly interesting setting and plot and inserts sex and drug jokes in an attempt to seek tickets, but overall not accomplish much as a film. Fortunately for this film, it was surprisingly more delicate than that.

From the get-go, it is apparent what kind of film this will be. With an opening scene showing how hectic her life in Afghanistan would be in just three years, the directors then cut to the chronological beginning of the protagonists story as an incredible example of juxtaposition. Tina Fey masterfully captures the essence of her character and puts it on display right away.

I was quite surprised with how unfunny this movie was. But I was even more surprised that I didn't mind. It was more complex and gratifying than I could have predicted and kept me engaged throughout.

With several themes, including the morality of journalism, the dangers of the addiction to conflict and moving forward in your life no matter what happens, it is safe to say this is the most unexpected important film in this young year.

Much of my opinion of this film comes from expecting very little from it. Had I gone in expecting greatness, I might have a completely different opinion. But that's not to say it's not a good movie. It's a hell of a lot better than I expected it to be.

My Rating: 7/10

True Story (2015)

Directed by Rupert Goold
Written by Rupert Goold and David Kajganich, based on the memoir of Michael Finkel
Starring Jonah Hill, James Franco, Felicity Jones and Robert John Burke

When disgraced New York Times reporter Michael Finkel meets accused killer Christian Longo - who has taken on Finkel's identity - his investigation morphs into a game of cat-and-mouse.

A gripping, real life court case that builds in intensity as the story moves along is overshadowed by the distracting combination of Jonah Hill and James Franco trying to be serious at the same time. I am a big supporter of Jonah Hill and his transition to becoming a dramatic actor, but I feel the casting was poorly executed for this film.

Every scene in which the two are by themselves or with other actors are suspenseful and filled with great performances. But when the two share screen time together, every facial expression feels like a lead up to the reveal that this entire thing was a prank, thus turning the direction of the story on a dime and turning it into a raunchy comedy.

Not pictured: Seth Rogen sitting just off frame behind James Franco.

The film was well intended and the story was strong enough to keep me interested. But I can't help but feel that casting the two of them opposite of each other was a good idea. Had it been Jonah Hill and another actor or James Franco and another actor, or even two completely different actors, this could have been a much stronger movie. I love the effort to keep Jonah Hill's career moving. James Franco doesn't need it. He's already been established as a dramatic actor. 

Other than the casting, this was a great story. I don't know how much of it was actually factual in the true story, but it definitely kept me interested. This movie is worth checking out. Just try not to laugh when they're on screen together.

My Rating: 6.5/10