I don’t always love Jonah Hill. The first thing I read about War Dogs made me skeptical if I would like it or not. I’m a fan of Miles Teller, and I think Jonah Hill is a great in this movie. The story really interested me and I was into the film for the most part. It did check the time once or twice, but that may have been due to the annoying audience members. I give War Dogs the Not Quite Golden, Ponyboy rating.
War Dogs was definitely entertaining and well acted
War Dogs is based on a true story of two friends, David Packouz (Miles Teller) and Efraim Diveroli (Jonah Hill), who run AEY Inc. They build their arms dealing company through small contracts with the Pentagon before finally landing a huge contract to arm America’s allies in Afghanistan.
I really loved the look and tone of this film. Todd Phillips, director of the Hangover Trilogy, Old School, and Road Trip, brings his style to this true story. Most of the film is set in Miami and travels to Iraq, Jordan, and Albania. I loved the introduction of Efraim Diveroli as he takes David Packouz to buy some weed. The dealer scams Efraim and flashes his pistol at him. Efraim laughs, walks to his car, and pulls out a machine gun. This introduces the character’s signature laugh that you’ll hear a lot in this film. It was a darkly funny scene and really demonstrates the insanity that Efraim represents.
Miles Teller, Jonah Hill, and Ana de Armas really stood out in this movie. Their roles are supported with solid performances from Bradley Cooper and Kevin Pollak. However, Miles Teller is clearly the star as he narrates a lot of the story. The film is really from Packouz perspective telling his side of the story. He had no interest in selling weapons, however, it was good money for relatively easy work. Well, it was easy at first, but things definitely take some sharp turns. He’s quickly sucked in, but definitely isn’t innocent in this story.
War Dogs delivered the goods…
The insights into the weapons dealing process were interesting. The two guys the film focuses on is very compelling. I was interested in the story and that was enough to make me like the film. I love movies that engage me in the story. War Dogs gave me insight into a world that I knew little about presented in a way that was entertaining. My biggest gripe is the trailers for this film show lots of pieces that it probably shouldn’t. Stop giving away major plot points and late movie moments in the trailer.
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