A Dynamite! Jonah Hill Is Da Man!

Rating: 9/10 (20 August 2016)

Based on a Rolling Stone article by Guy Lawson, 'War Dogs' is a BLAST! Director & Co-Writer Todd Phillips regains supremacy in this racy, darkly funny & entirely amusing criminal comedy-drama, that is bolstered by a compelling performance by Jonah Hill. I had a ball.
'War Dogs' Synopsis: Based on the true story of two young men, David Packouz (Miles Teller) and Efraim Diveroli (Jonah Hill), who won a $300 million contract from the Pentagon to arm America's allies in Afghanistan.
'War Dogs' is about achieving "The Great American Dream", at any cost. You watch 2 young fellas sweating it out, running around & even literally going nuts in the middle of warfare in Jordan, (The entire chapter in Jordan, is a standout). The two leading-men aren't particularly likable, but its one hell of a ride, to watch them hustle, lie, cheat & steal from all ends. 'War Dogs' is a true-story, that has turned into a terrific film, that keeps you on your seat & swings itself with hilarity & sheer menace.
The Screenplay by Stephen Chin, Jason Smilovic & Phillips, is explosive. The narrative arrests you & doesn't let you go. Its so much fun watching the two young bloods doing so much wrong, to get it right. Phillips's Direction is super. Its good to see him back in form, after a hiatus. 'War Dogs' is definitely among his best films to date! Lawrence Sher's Cinematography captures the greed & madness, with fineness. Jeff Groth's Editing is razor-crisp, 114-minutes swing by smoothly. Art & Costume Design are excellent. The brief action-bits are well-done. Cliff Martinez's Score is perfect.
Performance-Wise: While its Miles Teller who gets the main role (and also does a voice-over throughout the film), 'War Dogs' still belongs to Jonah Hill. Jonah, an actor who never fails to surprise, is simply fabulous. Jonah sinks his teeth into the part & performs with enviable bravado. He's every bit of the greedy a-hole he plays & gets the best lines as well, who he delivers with his uniqueness. Also, his laugh, is another highlight. Having said that, Miles is quite-good as well, but this is Jonah's show & he owns it. Ana de Armas looks gorgeous & plays the mandatory female influence, with honesty. Kevin Pollak is first-rate. Bradley Cooper shines in an extended cameo.
On the whole, 'War Dogs' is a Dynamite! Don't miss it. And how about a 3rd Oscar-Nomination for Jonah?