In the Loop (2009)

 

Synopsis: If you enjoy watching venal, self-serving and foul-mouthed politicians and politicians scream at each other via cellphone conversations, this is definitely your movie! 

Blurb From the DVD jacket: “The fate of the world is on the line” 

What Did I Learn?: 1) Builders never fucking turn up in the nick of time. 2) “Iceman” probably isn’t a real name. 3) The Brits have a say: “difficult, difficult, lemon difficult.” 4) don’t leave your boss twisting in the wind and then burst in late, smelling like a pissed seaside donkey. 5) Frosting is on cakes. 6) In the land of truth, the man with one fact is the king. 6) The Canadians are always happy - and surprised - when they’re invited to participate in a major international initiative. 

Might Like This Movie If: You understand the importance of staying within the magic loop. 

Really?: 1) Wait - Toby sleeps over in Liza’s apartment after their late-night tryst, and she doesn’t wake him up the next morning even though they’re supposed to attend the same early-morning meeting? That doesn’t seem credible. 2) So, wait… if Karen Clark and General Miller want Simon’s assistance during a critical meeting, maybe they could have actually explained their position, or told him what they wanted him to do? Just a thought. 3) See: “Synopsis”… strange how every single character fits this description, and is sarcastic, to boot. 

Rating: In the Loop is an excellent example of a very rare type of film: a smart, compelling and very funny political comedy that somehow resists the temptation to get preachy, much like the 1970s/80s British sitcom Yes Minister. My only complaint is that all of the characters seem to be cut from the same cloth, and it’s difficult to actually care one way or the other if war breaks out in the Middle East because none of the “good guys” are all that competent or likeable, and the would-be villains are quite funny at times. Highly recommended. 9/10 stars. 

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1226774/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0