War Dogs

Starring: Jonah Hill, Miles Teller
Directed By: Todd Phillips
Written By: Todd Phillips, Stephen Chin, Jason Smilovic

Reviewed by Brendan Dousi

[rating: 3/5]

War Dogs is director/co-writer Todd Phillips first foray into more ‘serious’ filmmaking. He has a long history of making successful comedies ranging from Old School to the Hangover, he’s kind of become an expert at making bro-friendly films. So, it’s a little interesting seeing him tackle some more serious subject matter. Two childhood friends who become international arms dealers is quite a step away from an out of control bucks night. The story on display here is a lot more serious than many of the trailers make it out to be, sure there is plenty of comedy here, but there are also real stakes and some emotional weight to the film to make it a lot meatier and less vapid than it’s being portrayed. Phillips’ smooth, vibrant style and amazing comedic timing make for a never-dull viewing experience that truly does engage the audience. Talking about international gun law could get tiresome, but here he makes it work. It’s just a bit of a shame that there isn’t really anything new or different going on here.

It may seem unfair to compare this film to the likes of Martin Scorsese, one of the greatest and most acclaimed filmmakers still working today, but the fact is this film is so desperately trying to be a Scorsese film that it’s hard not to compare them. There’s so many similarities here to your usual Scorsese fair, there’s the story itself that focuses on potentially despicable characters as it’s protagonists, a retelling of a real story that exhibits the corruption of money in everyday life, you even have a fourth wall-nudging narration by the main character set against frantic editing. There’s nothing wrong with any of this, of course, but seeing it all together like this just makes you feel like you’re watching a pale imitation of Wolf of Wall Street that’s less funny and has less to say. The biggest crime this film commits is not having its own, unique voice. It borrows too much from other, better films and then presents an interesting story without any real point of view. Was what these characters doing wrong? Was it justifiable? Is it societies fault? The government? The film never even bothers with any of these questions. It’s just happy presenting the story as purely surface-level entertainment.

The film is entertaining, at least, in large part to its magnificent leading men. Jonah Hill embodies the character of Efraim, from his shitty fake tan to his horrible little laugh. He’s a terrible person, but not a caricature and Jonah Hill is clearly having a blast playing him. Miles Teller plays out straight-man and protagonist David, but is so utterly charming (as always) that he’s just a joy to watch on screen. He is one of my favourite of the new crop of actors and I hope this goes some way to repair the damage that was caused by Fantastic 4 (Fant4stic?). Their chemistry is palpable and one of the most enjoyable things about this movie. It’s something Phillips does well; he knows how to make Bros seems like real Bros. Of course, it helps when you have two of the best young actors at your disposal.

While it does try too hard to emulate better films, War Dogs is still an enjoyable enough ride to keep you entertained and intrigued thanks largely to some great pacing and fantastic performances from Jonah Hill and Miles Teller. It’s just a shame that this film didn’t quite live up to its potential.