Film review: In The Loop

ALPHA MALE: James Gandolfini plays a military man in In the Loop - though he's arguing against an Iraq-style war.

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Maybe not the "best" film I saw at this year's film festival, but easily the most entertaining, In The Loop is a smart, cynical, raucous and fantastically funny Pommy political comedy.

Set in and around the offices of a fictional prime minister's press office, the film stars Peter Capaldi in a performance that has already passed into legend, as an incandescently angry and superhumanly foul-mouthed genius who controls all communications from the government's MPs.

His Malcolm Tucker is just the man you want on your side when, say, journalists are asking awkward questions about exactly where your "primary residence" might reasonably be.

Thrown into a trans-Atlantic kerfuffle of the highest order, Tucker travels to Washington, goes up against his American equivalents, and simultaneously tries to both avert and start a war while still finishing up on the side of the angels. Or, failing that, the cheque signers.

Around Tucker, sycophants of various abilities do what they can to appear busy while trying desperately to avoid any situation that might bring them under his steely and terrifying gaze.

Capaldi's performance, in its best moments, will actually have you fearing for the safety of James Gandolfini - an actor who himself specialises in playing terrifying alpha males.

In The Loop is fantastic entertainment - an intelligently written and richly layered comedy that has stood up to a few viewings already.

This is a filthy-minded Yes Minister, a completely credible peek inside the squalid back rooms where the fulcrums of the levers of power might really be found. If you've ever seen director Iannucci's TV show The Thick of It (UKTV) then you'll have bought your ticket already.

For the rest of you, this is the smartest adult comedy to come along in years. Enjoy.

In the Loop
Director: Armando Iannucci
Starring: Peter Capaldi, James Gandolfini
Time: 109 minutes
Rated: R13
Trailer: Flicks.co.nz

* What did you think of In the Loop? Post your comments below.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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elwood   #7   12:41 am Nov 01 2009

Enjoyed it - glad I won a double pass.

flyernzl   #6   07:47 pm Oct 17 2009

One of the worst films I have been to see. Little more than a boring litany of unnecessary swear words with no discernible action or plot. We walked out after 30 minutes.

McTavish   #5   04:01 pm Oct 06 2009

agreed. good film, accurate review. very funny.

Davy   #4   04:43 pm Oct 05 2009

This should not have got more stars than Inglorious Basterds.

AndyB   #3   05:58 pm Oct 04 2009

Quality movie with some of the most inventive swearing ever. Malcolm Tucker is a legend, especially his response to the American who complains about his swearing.

Hadn't seen The Thick of It but immediately got the first series after seeing this movie and it too is absolutely fantastic.

anmar   #2   10:07 pm Oct 02 2009

I enjoyed it a lot.

Joy   #1   09:34 pm Oct 02 2009

I loved this film. Laugh out loud funny!