War, Inc. (DVD, 2008)

"War, Inc." is Joshua Seftel's first director's position on a feature length film comprising a satire of memorable proportions written by Mark Leyner, Jeremy Pikser and John Cusack. John Cusuack was also a producer of this film. At time the production did fantastically in creating a realistic and entertaining satire on today's situation overseas.

A satire has to fit into a very particular box and is very difficult to catch on film. This film tries to show the ridiculousness of corporate ethics in helping destroy a country just to profit on its demise when building it back.
The satirical lesson here is how silly War really is when it all boils down to being sensible. That's why this film is so hard to capture the essence of. Satires assume the seriousness of the real situations and time it places us in, yet this film has to push to the boundaries of insanity and try to be serious in a comedic way. It's like trying to take Dr. Evil in "Austin Powers" seriously when you watch that comedy. Of course its hard to take a comedy and pass it of as a drama. This film almost does this, however, we see that the characters are all hiding there true feelings and they switch from scene to seen with seriousness then back to comedy.

The film is about a mercenary (John Cusack) traveling to Turaqistan (fantasy country) to help the American government get their message across to Turaqistan's leaders. He meets a reporter (Marisa Tomei) and we all know what will ensue with a lonely man meeting a hot reporter. Somewhere in the mix, a pop star named Yonica Babyyeah (Hilary Duff) gets thrown in. As Yonica is marrying one of Turaquistan's most important people (a son of the president), a subplot is created where the mercenary must watch after Yonica. The film starts off with a lonely Cusack in a bar drinking hot sausce. This where the film hooks you. With it's amusing and intriguing insight on terrorism and politics, the film's running time passes by quickly. The film has much more action than expected, with the occasional scene of war, well choreographed fights, and just sporadic scenes of murder. There was a bit too much profanity in this film than necessary, although most people tolerate films anyway with the us of profanity, but I find it very distracting. A simple story makes the film fun to watch for the common man and movie critics alike.

In the final act of the film, the simplicity of it all turns very hostile and jumbled. I thought it was well thought through, but others might disagree. understand why. Twist after twist is what the ending is all about, and like most films, it is a true hit/miss situation.

Seftel does an excellent job insuring the film's integrity; not reducing the material to the most redundant of films (which I was afraid would happen). Seftel crafted the film as perfectly as one could: he created a vibrant atmosphere, one that both examines harsh reality and cartoon-like falsities; - contrasting them perfectly - as well as making the film feel as if you were watching it all. Seftel really gets you involved in all of the action and it pays off completely. No missteps are evident here. Hopefully, he takes on more directorial jobs, for he is one director to look out for.

I'll give this film an overall score of 4/5 for it's powerful message of greed.

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I really liked this movie. John Cusack is one of my fave actors. I grew up on his movies when he was part of the brat pack. He really pulls this movie together with his sense of humor. I thought Hilary Duff had a bigger part but her roll was fun too. I didn't realize that this was a more of a fun movie and not so much drama. I would recommend this movie to my friends. It does have some "bad" language throughout but I think that goes with the aura and time of this movie. I wouldn't recommend it to young girls (especially if they look up to Hilary). She isn't portrayed in her usual wholesome light.

And very predictable..I had it figured out from the start..I admit this film has it's moments some funny, some suspense filled..even some sap and a strange love story...Viewers will love this film if they are into dumb comedies..the storyline was ok, the script was stupid, the acting so so..John Cusack and Marisa Tomei were great, Joan Cusack and Hilary Duff overacted as usual..I give this film 2 out of 5 bars!!

Actually the really wasnt that good! Only good thing was Hilary Duff acting as a sex craved pop star!

This is a great little movie - I think it is pretty close to the reality of war today. Makes you think... if you want to think.