I expected to dislike this film; I didn’t like the Hangover films much (directed by Todd Phillips, who helms this one) and I have never been much of a fan of Jonah Hill.  I was also wary of the premise, in which two jerks make boatloads of money by promoting war and swindling the U.S. government.  I try to be neutral when approaching any movie, but sometimes I cannot help but let my personal feelings temper my anticipation.  I am happy to report, however, that this film is much better than I thought it would be.

Todd Phillips’ film, while playing fast and loose with the real story of two guys who became arms dealers through their computers, is an ironic and cogent exposé of entrepreneurialism run amok during the Iraq war era.  It thoughtfully explores how two ordinary schmucks (Jonah Hill, Miles Teller) could exploit the system (in this case, governmental bids) to their advantage and become millionaires doing so. Like the underrated Lord of War (2005, with Nicolas Cage), War Dogs depicts a shady situation with some aplomb, encouraging viewers to decide for themselves whether these guys are overenthusiastic capitalists or immoral criminals.  It’s a bit of both, actually, which is why the film is as effective as it is.

Hill is well cast as the scummier partner; it doesn’t seem like he is acting at all (except for his fake laugh).  Miles Teller is excellent as the masseuse who is lured into this high-stakes game, genuinely trying to make it work for everyone.  His character is the moral center of the film, which, of course, is sorely tested not only by all the gun-running but having a baby with his girlfriend (Ana de Armas).  Shades of Scarface are also present — that film is referenced repeatedly — adding to the mythology of meteoric rise and fall based on illegal trade.

War Dogs is not exactly original, but it is effective.  Scarface, Blow, Lord of War and others have blazed this trail flat and familiar, and yet War Dogs finds some interesting things to say and does so in entertaining fashion.  It also works as a negative travelogue, warning travelers away from ever visiting sunny Iraq or glum Albania unless one is looking for death-defying adventure or cheap Cold War-era munitions.  And perhaps its finest aspect is how it portrays the deterioration of the friendship between the protagonists, which is cold-bloodedly realistic and rather sad.  This isn’t a “nice” movie, but it is a good one.  ☆ ☆ ☆.  16 September 2016.