[yasr_overall_rating]
A journalist recounts her wartime coverage in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Co -Directors Glen Ficarra and John Requa, manage to pull a rabbit out of the hat with “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot.” Using Tina Fey, with her massive appeal, was apparently a great decision that in my opinion becomes the saving grace which sets it apart from making it just another love story gone wrong. The host of conflicting relationships is another added oddity with an Afghanistan war zone backdrop that shadows the serendipitous role of journalist Kim Baker who becomes a War Reporter by default and her entire life is changed forever. While I don’t really agree with movies that start in the present and then falls forward by going back years earlier, the truth remains that sometimes the history is necessary in order to establish a clear motive for the unpredictability that will soon follow.
Kim Baker is a journalist and part of a group of unmarried, childless personnel who due to a staff reduction plan are allocated to the war zone to save their jobs. Because Kim is at a point in her life where she is questioning her own purpose, she is an easy target for the trip. Her current boyfriend who seems a bit too comfortable with their relationship not having any future goals, is part of the sacrifice she makes to begin her journey to self-fulfillment while he hangs in the wings. Before the plane ever hits the ground, Kim is greeted by the sound of bullets and other travesties of war. With her adrenaline pumping, she begins partying right away with her newly found partners in journalistic crime. As time goes on, the original attitude she brought with her becomes less and less noticeable as she falls victim to being caught up with her current situation. Developing a quirky relationship with the only other female in the group and a mentoring relationship with local infantry Leader, General Hollanek (Billy Bob Thornton), have pros and cons to redefine her purpose when the war stories become less interesting back home and her sponsorship is jeopardized.
The love-hate relationships and nurturing that takes place in the film provide humor and disappointment through peaks and valleys that are both interesting and regrettable. Overall, this is a humorous, feel-good movie that is worth seeing if you’re a Tina Fey fan, as oddly enough her popularity continues to rise outside of the comedic zone.
In theaters now
“…as oddly enough her popularity continues to rise outside the comedic zone.” ???
Yes, because she is one of those actors, kind of like Steve Carrell, who is believable, whether or not she is in a dramatic or comedic role. It’s not odd that her popularity continues to rise.
Thanks Mary for your thoughts and thanks for checking out the review!