War Dogs review — Lisa Johnson Mandell thinks the subject is no laughing matter

If you’re looking for the raucous comedy you might be expecting from Jonah Hill, director Tod Phillips of the Hangover trilogy, and the  bouncy trailer, you’re going to be a wee bit disappointed. Although War Dogs has it’s lighter moments, mostly provided by the sheer audacity of Jonah Hill’s character, it is very serious stuff, and hard to take lightly.

Knowing that it’s based on a true story makes it even less frivolous. It’s the frightening tale of two friends in their 20’s (Hill and Miles Teller) who live in Miami Beach during the Iraq War, and exploit a little-known government initiative that allowed small businesses to bid on U.S. Military contracts, posted for all the world to see online. Seems that any Joe Schmoe could bid on a contract to supply the military with arms, ammunition, and more, just so he could deliver the goods, many times by hook or crook.

Our duo bites off more than they can chew when they land a $300 million deal to arm the Afghan Military. But let me tell you, hilarity does not ensue. It’s not funny to see how armed forces were expected to protect and serve with inferior weapons sold to them by smarmy scam artists. This is no joke.

I should have known that a shamelessly cavalier attitude was being taken at the very beginning of the film, when we hear the phrase, “I learned that nobody cares about old people.” It’s supposed to be a punch line, but it made me very sad to see that passing for humor.

Miles Teller and a very large again Jonah Hill play their parts well, and a menacing Bradley Cooper as a seasoned arms dealer adds some gravitas. But I just can’t get past them playing this subject for laughs. Anyone who has ever suffered the loss of a loved one in the service, and that includes almost every one of us, does not find this subject amusing.

Rated R

1 Hour 54 Minutes

https://youtu.be/Fl3D990Zt5g

WAR DOGS Review– A Bone to Pick

by Lisa Johnson Mandell