War on Everyone!!

Written and Directed by John Michael McDonagh, this little gem starring Michael Pena and Alexander Skarsgard was released in theatres in February of 2017 to mixed reviews and a lack luster Box Office. All I knew going into watching this movie was that it was a bad cops as good guys themed comedy, I had no idea I was in for one of the freshest and most quotable movies I had seen in a long while.

This movie stands out in so many positive ways. From the gritty cinematography to the poignant soundtrack and wrapped up with the chemistry between these almost unbelievable characters that as a viewer you bond with almost immediately and root for the entire film.

The story is pretty simple. Pena and Skarsgard play Bob and Terry, New Mexico’s dirtiest cops. Best friends and partners, these two take what they want from the degenerates they incarcerate, proving that they are far more dangerous than the criminals they are pursuing. When a robbery leaves a million dollars up for grabs, Bob and Terry are quick on its trail but when the thieves push back it quickly becomes personal.

Far and away the best part of the film is Pena and Skarsgard. Their chemistry is just amazing as can be clearly seen from their on screen timing and delivery. On the surface they have an almost effortless friends for life relationship but throughout the film you see it goes much deeper. They serve as opposing sides of a Yin Yang. Bob is the family guy with a perfect wife and funny kids. Terry is the one with the dark past and no one else in his life but his partner. Instead of using this to contrast the two characters as per Hollywood usual, it’s pushed aside in favor of having the two be completely on the same page at every turn in the story.  They are the ultimate “Ride or Die” for each other friends and with the other characters close to them so seemingly ok with how seriously they haven’t taken their oaths as officers (with the exception of their Captain) it plays as the centerpiece for the entire movie.

The opening shot has them chasing down a mime who is on foot while they are driving. Bob says one simple line. “I’ve always wondered, if you hit a mime, does he make a sound.”  And with that they run over the mime and then proceed to seem to rob him.  That’s one minute into the movie and it doesn’t stop there. The pace of the movie keeps the tempo high. Occasionally they even show scenes that stop the story and focus on Terry’s dark side but even those don’t stop the tempo of the entire film. 

The attitude they bring to the screen is akin to Jim Carrey’s alternate ego from Me Myself and Irene only in a completely positive light. If a suspect gives them attitude they kick him in the nuts and then 15 seconds later they are doing drugs together.

And it doesn’t stop with them.  Their snitches, Bob’s wife and Terry’s girlfriend, the bad guy, the lackeys, hell, even Bob’s kids all share this same Zero Fucks given attitude. This lets the character’s actions go far beyond what we would normally consider rational in a movie and the audience comes along completely making it a true escape from reality. Without giving away the ending, the film still manages to pull together a decently dramatic finale that gives some of what you would traditionally expect from a movie like this but still keeping its unique style.

Best for last is the dialogue. It is fast and off the wall. As if most of the character’s lack filters and say the most messed up things without thinking or feeling any shame. Completely unforgiving and not politically correct at all, it will have you quoting lines like “I hate murder, I hate it!” and “You want to adopt a homless kid”. (and no, I did not misspell homeless) I cannot recommend this movie enough and expect it to reach a cult status. Give it a try, you won’t be sorry.