War, Inc.

There is an awful lot to NOT like about this movie. But when added all up they still don't equal a bad movie. This is political satire in a very high form. No doubt in many countries this sort of thing would be banned or outlawed, and the makers flogged and banished. But, this is America and we hold some truths to be self-evident. One of those is the right of fools and scholars alike to to behave badly in the name of art.

Stepping down from MY soapbox now, let me address the soapbox that is this film. If you are from a "red state" you may not like this movie much. If you voted for Bush or McCain, you probably won't like it either. If however, you can accept and digest some very sharp barbs pointed at the current, and soon to be future, administration's perceived policies and relationships, you may have a very good time watching it.

Here are a few of the minor things I didn't like about the movie:
John Cusack in an action, tough-guy role
Ben Kingsley with a strong southern accent
Joan Cusack as herself (yes editorial liberties taken here)
American soldiers portrayed as confused and addicted, trigger-happy idiots

Here are a few things that make those other things insignificant:
Marisa Tomei - full stop - enough said
Hillary Duff as the exploited pop-singer who I didn't even recognize
Joan Cusak as herself (yes, this counts twice because she is so funny)
The soundtrack is diverse and wonderful

Add to the above items that I truly enjoy good satire even about things I hold dear. Some say it is the lowest form of comedy. Maybe that's true, but I laughed plenty in this movie.

Watch it with someone who gets whats right and wrong about this movie.

Sneakers

What would attract 7 superstars, all who have either been nominated for or won Oscars, to work together on a comedy thriller? The budget and salaries is still, ironically, a secret, so we can't say it was the money. I'm guessing it was the story. This movie is an excellent example of what my little rant is all about - a good story well told.

If you did not see this movie back "in the day", I highly recommend renting it. Here's why in decreasing order of importance.

Oscar-winner Sidney Poitier (Blackboard Jungle, A Raisin in the Sun, and They Call Me Mister Tibbs) is not known as a comic actor. This is a rare performance and well worth watching.

Oscar-nominee River Phoenix (Running on Empty, Indiana Jones Last Crusade, and I Love You To Death) knew comedy and knew drama. His skills were beyond his age. This movie was one of his last before his death in 1993.

Oscar-winner Robert Redford (too many to list) plays a good guy who does bad things. Or is he a bad guy that does good things.? You decide.

Oscar-winner Ben Kingsley (Gandhi, House of Sand and Fog, and The Last Legion) is a wonderful bad guy. This role helped me totally see Kingley as someone other than Gandhi.

Oscar-nominee Dan Aykroyd (Blues Brothers series, Ghostbusters series, and Driving Miss Daisy) turns on his uber-geek conspiracy theorist side and never steals a scene, but "makes" every one he is in.

Oscar-nominee Mary McDonnell (Dances With Wolves, Independence Day, and Battlestar Gallactica series) plays well opposite all the above big boys. She is perfect.

There are too many other fun performances here to mention.

Watch this movie with someone who likes playing Scrabble.