War Dogs movie review (2024) - Movie16

 

"War Dogs" Review: A Film That Struggles to Own Its Moral Complexity

"War Dogs" is a tale of ambition, deception, and the morally ambiguous world of arms dealing. The film, directed by Todd Phillips (known for The Hangover trilogy), chronicles the rise and fall of two unlikely arms dealers, David Packouz (Miles Teller) and Efraim Diveroli (Jonah Hill). Despite its intriguing premise and Phillips' comedic roots, the movie falters by refusing to fully embrace the moral depravity of its characters. It often softens their actions, making them appear more likable and relatable than they deserve, which undermines the potential for a sharper, more thought-provoking narrative.

A Story Rooted in Moral Contradictions

The plot, based on a Rolling Stone article and a subsequent book by Guy Lawson, follows David, a struggling massage therapist and bed sheet salesman, who gets swept into the world of arms dealing by his childhood friend Efraim. The two quickly rise to prominence, securing lucrative contracts to supply weapons to the U.S. military during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Yet, instead of fully exposing the darker aspects of their actions, the film alternates between a buddy comedy and a cautionary tale, often leaving viewers unsure of its intended message.

The film draws inspiration from classics like Scarface, Goodfellas, and The Wolf of Wall Street, which masterfully depicted morally repugnant characters. However, War Dogs lacks the sharp edge and unapologetic honesty of these films. Instead, it frequently indulges in making its protagonists seem charming and humorous, diluting the weight of their transgressions.

A Weak Protagonist and Simplistic Narration

David, the film's narrator and moral center, is portrayed as a naive, almost innocent participant in the arms trade. His character arc is presented as a journey from ignorance to reluctant complicity, but this framing often feels disingenuous. Rather than showing David as a flawed individual who knowingly steps into the morally gray world of arms dealing, the film paints him as a victim of circumstances manipulated by the more conniving Efraim.

This simplistic approach makes it difficult to fully invest in David's journey. While Teller delivers a solid performance, the lack of depth in his character limits the film's ability to engage viewers in a meaningful exploration of his choices.

Efraim: The Film’s Saving Grace

Jonah Hill's portrayal of Efraim is undoubtedly the film's standout feature. Hill brings charisma and menace to the role, embodying a character who is both hilarious and terrifying. Efraim's cunning, volatility, and unapologetic pursuit of wealth make him a captivating figure. Hill’s use of body language, particularly his trademark squeaky laugh and calculated facial expressions, effectively conveys Efraim’s duplicitous nature.

However, even Efraim's characterization suffers from the film’s reluctance to fully explore the darker implications of his actions. While Hill’s performance offers glimpses of the manipulative and morally bankrupt individual beneath the surface, the script often reduces him to comic relief, diluting the impact of his character's predatory instincts.

A Missed Opportunity

One of the film's biggest flaws is its failure to commit to a consistent tone. It attempts to balance dark comedy with a critique of greed and corruption, but this approach often feels uneven. The scenes depicting David's troubled relationship with his wife Iz (Ana de Armas) highlight this inconsistency. Iz is portrayed as a one-dimensional voice of conscience, whose reactions to David's actions shift conveniently to serve the plot. This dynamic further exposes the film’s Hollywood tendencies, prioritizing sentimentality over substance.

Phillips borrows heavily from Martin Scorsese’s stylistic playbook, using techniques like narration, freeze-frames, and rapid-fire dialogue. However, War Dogs lacks the visual flair and emotional weight that made Scorsese's films so compelling. Unlike Goodfellas or The Wolf of Wall Street, where the narrators subtly reveal their own biases and flaws, War Dogs asks viewers to take David's perspective at face value, stripping the story of complexity.

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Final Thoughts

Ultimately, War Dogs is a film that struggles to reconcile its ambitions with its execution. While it aims to be a scathing critique of the arms trade, it often succumbs to the temptation of glamorizing its characters. The film’s unwillingness to fully embrace the moral contradictions of its protagonists prevents it from achieving the depth and impact of the works it emulates.

Despite its flaws, War Dogs does offer moments of entertainment, largely thanks to Jonah Hill's dynamic performance. However, these moments are overshadowed by a narrative that lacks the courage to confront its subject matter head-on. For viewers seeking a film that delves into the dark side of ambition and greed, War Dogs may fall short of expectations.

By the end, the movie leaves us pondering not the morality of its characters but the missed opportunity to create a truly memorable and thought-provoking piece of cinema.

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