Adrenaline Junkie: Review of Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

Directors: Glenn Ficara and John Requa

By Alex Watson

Those hoping for a light hearted war journalism satire might be surprised at the borderline serious tone of Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. Smartly directors Glenn Ficara and John Requa (the duo behind Crazy Stupid Love) find humor in the most bizarre of places. An impressive performance from Tina Fey also suggests that the comedian could maybe graduate to more serious roles in future. Though the most potent aspect of this picture is the portrayal of how living in the danger zone can be an addiction.

Kim Baker (Tina Fey) is a copywriter for an unnamed news outlet who is suddenly informed that she has been selected to be sent to Afghanistan to cover the war. At first struggling to adapt to the different set of ways and learning the ropes of journalism, Kim establishes friendships with reporters Tanya (Margot Robbie) and Iain (Martin Freeman). Soon her stories begin to gain more traction and she quickly becomes obsessed with getting a bigger story. However, in a land filled with danger, her desire will lead her into some dangerous paths.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot isn't a movie written for laughs per minute and despite a slightly uneven tone, it gives a realistic depiction of life in wartime. Kim, at first, is disappointed to be sent to the 'forgotten war' as all big news outlets are covering Iraq. Particularly as she was selected because she one of the unmarried and childless staff. When she arrives in Afghanistan she is assigned a fixer Fahim (Christopher Abbott) and a Kiwi bodyguard Nic (Stephen Peacoke). There are usual awkward fist stumbles such as dealing with the blowing wind whilst attempting to conduct an interview. The moment she is taken on her first detail commanded by General Hollandek (Billy Bob Thornton), she become hooked on covering the war by watching Marine engage in a firefight with insurgents.

The fellow journalists she meets are quick to aid her and amidst the grimy halls where the journalists party and drugs and alcohol flow some charming deep bonds are made. Being one of the few females among the burned out veterans makes her a 'serious piece of ass' according to Tanya.   The battle for affections between Scot journalist Iain and buff bod Nic makes for an interest side plot. Thankful this isn't a story of self-discovery and the risks that Kim takes are of great concern to many. One scene sees her going to tremendous lengths to film one cleric denouncing television, only to discover moments later she at a men-only meeting. Fahim is the voice opposition to her growing thrill seeking as he is a newlywed who is frightened of consequences.

While Whiskey Tango Foxtrot might score points for originality, its lack of political agenda combined with its unclear tone makes it less memorable. At times, there are moments of The Hurt Locker type tension which aid the film early on as Kim goes from desk jockey to the front line. Aside from some excellent individual pieces, Ficara and Requa are not able to find the solid ground needed. This picture opens well but is hindered by a severe lack of depth. Also, it suffers from what is an entirely unnecessary rescue mission ending scored to 'Without You' smacks of corny. The depiction of the challenges Kim faces a female journalist in Afghanistan is commendable, shame the rest of the film cannot follow suit.

Tina Fey shows a new side of her acting skills here and along with Margot Robbie's excellent turn the pair make for a lively central duo. The early scenes of Tanya showing her new colleague the ropes feel genuine and how funny vibe to them. Fey, in particular, demonstrates that a future in serious cinema might not be a foregone conclusion. Martin Freeman makes for a unique suitor for Kim's affections but makes the most of his characters arrogance. Billy Bob Thornton steals the supporting honors with a wonderful turn as the terminally bored General. He is a man more concerned with a trooper firing an $80,000 missile than successfully completing the target. Each time his appears Thornton is breath of fresh air.

While it might miss the high aim it had for itself, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is still a funny and engaging look at war. It may not connect on an emotional level but the ideas along with the performances are still worth a look.

The Last Battle: Review of The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies

The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies

Director: Peter Jackson

By Alex Watson

So finally Peter Jackson's return to Middle Earth comes full circle, The Hobbit Trilogy has encountered a decent reception upon its release, but maybe less positive than the beloved Lord of the Rings saga. Jackson has still been able to conjure up the same old magic as before though such as the hair raising introduction of Smaug the Dragon. He will be sure to make Tolkein proud though with this final installment in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. 

As Smaug the Dragon (Benedict Cumberbatch) reigns havoc upon the town of Laketown, a small band of survivors led by Bard (Luke Evans) make for the mountains of Erebor in search of shelter. Meanwhile Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) is growing concerned with Thorin's (Richard Armitage) dark obsession over a precious king stone. All the while a surge of Orcs descend upon the mountain for a battle that will decide the fate of all!

The finale to Jackson's six part Middle Earth series is one that will no doubt please fans. The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies wraps things up in a more convenient way than that the multiple endings of Return of the King. Events are given a major kick start as Smaug reigns a fiery death upon Lake Town, cue utter chaos where only an act of sheer heroism by Bard will save the day! Unlike other episodes, Jackson through good editing has stripped this one down to the necessary content and there is no dragging feeling or any sense he is looking to draw things about because he can.

Loyalty and brotherhood are the key focuses of Five Armies, Thorin's increasing insanity is the element that really keeps the story on its toes. The once steadfast and beloved leader has descended into a stir crazy man who under the dragons influence is beginning to suspect his fellow dwarf men.  Bard's story though is the one that captures our heart, as he is a simple man pushed into being a De-facto leader. Through his courage to save his family and his desire to regain the lives of other villagers, we find the movies sympathetic and compassionate voice. A well shot bargaining conversation through the Erebor gate with Thorin demonstrates his heroism and his opponent's unwillingness to budge.

In this installment, there are missteps in The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies such as an underwhelming three way battle when veterans Gandalf (Ian McKellen), Galadriel (Cate Blanchett) and Elrond (Hugo Weaving) do combat with the Nazgul. By rights this should have been a standout scene, but in a heartbeat it is gone to quickly! Plus although this a well paced final part, it never fully realizes its potential and feels a little too confined to the shadows throughout. This brooding sense of inner conflict aids the film in some parts but in others it simply delays the action.

But we are richly rewarded with a stunning final battle sequence as the Elk mounted Elf, Thranduil (Lee Pace) along with foul mouthed dwarf Dain (Billy Connolly) do battle with a sea of orcs against Erebor. However, it is the moment that Thorin emerges from the gates to lead the charge that really breathes life into this affair. There is also a heavy emotional undercurrent to this battle which was seldom seen in Return of the King and lives and bonds are shaken forever through a single blade. It is the kind of finale, only a director like Jackson could deliver.

Martin Freeman has proven to be an inspired piece of casting as Bilbo Baggins and has grown into the role magnificently. It is the way he portrays the Hobbit's humbleness and quiet bravery that adds layers to this character. More impressively, the cracks in Bilbo's character are beginning to show through. Jackson is subtle with his hints, but through Freeman, these give a powerful indicator what is to come. Five Armies though belongs to Richard Armitage as Thorin, a true presence in this series, this movie he plays both hero and villain to perfection. His finest moment comes from a stunning hallucinatory sequence against the golden floor of Erebor as the Dwarf leader finally clues into what is causing his new lust for his treasure!

The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies is perhaps not as memorable as many would have hoped, but Jackson has still succeeded in giving JRR Tolkein's Middle Earth a fine send off! Farewell everyone, it has been an experience.