*Movie review written in 2009.
Aside from documentaries, Hollywood has never been in the mood to have capitalism bashed. Clive Owen's "The International" bombed. David Fincher's "Fight Club" was more about exploring anarchy with nihilism, narcissism and other psychosis of Chuck Palahniuk, so the concept of capitalism ruining everything outside of one self is abandoned.
One would think that comedy with a proven, cynical yet charming lead in John Cusack may lighten the mood when it comes to denouncing the foul nature of finance. Dumb the Iraqi invasion drama down a bit, and maybe you will come out with cinematic gold. The "War, Inc." $580,000 gross shows how Hollywood does not want to get that liberal.
The world keeps getting closer and closer to the future that is prophesied in "Rollerball (1975)". Corporate greed has effectively paved over the Middle Eastern country of Taraquistan. Its fall was at the hands of the Tamerlane Corporation's private army who the U.S. government had no issues outsourcing their conflict to. Following this invasion is every conglomerate from the Western World who is out to promote their new flavor: Democracy.
There are obviously those who resist the formation of America East, and that is where Hauser comes in. He is a former CIA spook turn greatest, corporate-backed assassin. Lately, his morals have been getting the best of him. This may be why he is striving to gain the affection of the attractive reporter and confused Turaqi pop star who have been introduced in to his life. The cover of being this country's first Western trade show producer will likely not hold up, so dropping the ball of his latest assignment seems likely. The fate of the interests of the Free World is in his hands, but does he even care?
Is "War, Inc." the political equivalent to Cusack's sleeper hit about a hitman going to his high school reunion, "Grosse Point Blank"? Yes, but is that a bad thing?
Many considered this to be the unofficial sequel to the 1996 coming of age story, and Cusack's character in this film is what that film's protagonist, Martin Blank, would be if the past film's ending did not hold up. So if you liked GSP, I think you will love this film.
The only thing that may hold the film back is that there is no subtlety in its humor or message. Fortunately, director Joshua Seftel's homage to the Spaghetti Western keeps the audience invested in the story. Despite it not being subtle, the craziness and relationships work out resulting in it ending up being worthwhile. Unfortunately, that is buried in its message, and may make it difficult for the layman to want to pick up.
If you are open to satire, "War, Inc." is an easy to take dose of it. It does not display any genius, but it is fun like most of Cusack's filmography. There are a few political prerequisites to be open to this film, but common sense should get you through it regardless of one's initial political stance.
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