Starring
Alexander Skarsgard, Michael Pena, Theo James, Malcolm Barrett, Tessa
Thompson, Caleb Landry Jones, Paul Reiser. Directed by John Michael
McDonagh. (2016, 97 min).
Watching
War on Everyone, I am reminded how great Michael Pena is.
Though not often a leading man, he sure manages to steal a lot of
scenes from his bigger co-stars. He's also pretty damn funny
while never appearing to be trying too hard.
He's
easily the best part of War on Everyone, a hit or miss black comedy
about two unscrupulous, crooked cops who supplement their income by
extorting most of the criminals they're pursuing. Pena plays
Detective Bob Bolano, who, along with his partner, Terry Monroe
(Alexander Skarsgard), learn of a racetrack robbery planned by
wealthy playboy "Lord" James Mangen (Theo James). But they
find themselves in over their heads because Mangen is ruthless,
violent and unafraid to kill anyone who crosses him.
 |
| "Does someone need a hug?" |
The
plot is mostly a springboard for these two cops to engage in a
variety of bad behavior. They harass suspects, cause a lot of
gratuitous destruction, snort coke & drink on the job and, of
course, are indifferent to the threats of their frustrated captain (Paul Reiser, in
a thankless role). Sometimes the film is clever and funny, other
times obnoxious and gratuitously stupid. As is typical for films like this, there's an ensemble of supporting characters whose only purpose is to behave like oddballs.
Monroe's blustery,
belligerent behavior grows especially tiresome after awhile, and
unfortunately, he gets more screen time than Bolano. That's too bad
because Pena is absolutely wonderful in the role. He's effortlessly
amusing, even when forced to occasionally deliver some asinine
dialogue. It's his numerous throw-away lines and reactions that
provide most of the movie's laughs.
Elsewhere,
War on Everyone works in fits and starts, wavering - sometimes
uncomfortably - between dark humor and Will Farrell-style overkill. Ultimately, the film is probably amusing enough to make it worth a watch,
especially with Michael Pena in fine form.
EXTRA
KIBBLES
FEATURETTE:
"Everyone Sounds Off: The Quirky Cast of War on Everyone"
DVD
& DIGITAL COPIES
KITTY CONSENSUS:
NOT BAD...LIKE CAT CHOW
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