ViewGuide

Created Nov 21, 2011 05:04PM PST • Edited Nov 21, 2011 10:15PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Very Good 3.5

   As a rule, satirical pieces always contain elements of truth. This premise is beautifully portrayed in Four Lions, a humorous film about the unpleasant topic of young men choosing to sacrifice themselves in an attack on “western decadence”.

   While the premise of suicide bombing is terrifying to all of use, it is none-the-less a fact of life. In this movie we can laugh at what we fear, as we see four young Arab men in the United Kingdom chase what they feel is a way of fighting back. Rather than dwelling on the fear, we see them for who they really are; dumb-witted cowards who are so inept, they fail at everything they do. Whether accidentally firing a rocket-grenade into a terrorist training camp, or plotting to “blow up the internet”, these guys just can’t seem to get it right. Picture the Three Stooges as terrorists, mixed with Dr. Strangelove.

   But the satire isn’t limited to just these four characters, as we also see police who are eager to arrest the innocent, just because of the way they dress. Truly a bold statement against the misuse of power and the ability of government to spin things in the media.

   Sharp, and witty, the only drawback is the occasional difficulty in understanding the heavy accents. But the unique and bold attacks on those who try to hurt us makes this movie very good and very different.

4. Acting

   Good 3.0

5. Male Stars Very Good 3.5

   Each lead actor captures a different comical personality. No stars you will recognize, but fine job done by all involved.

6. Female Stars OK 2.5

7. Female Costars OK 2.5

8. Male Costars OK 2.5

10. Film

    Good 3.0

11. Direction Good 3.0

    Kudos to Director Christopher Morris for having the courage to make this film, which Time called a “Top 10” film of the year.

12. Play Good 3.0

13. Music Good 3.0

    Comical use of 1970’s disco music makes the bad-guys even less threatening.

14. Visuals Good 3.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 1.9

17. Sex Innocent 1.2

18. Violence Fierce 1.9

    explosions, but not much blood and gore

19. Rudeness Profane 2.7

    some witty cracks, that are blue, but funny none-the-less

21. Reality

    Natural 1.0

22. Circumstantial Natural 1.0

    Sadly, you feel what is portrayed isn’t too far from real life.

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Natural 1.0