Hill shines, but this arms-deal comedy runs shallow past the halfway mark.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
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Critic consensus
Critical reception for War Dogs is mixed, with scores ranging from average to moderately positive. Critics most commonly praised Jonah Hill's performance, with several noting his comedic presence and character work as a highlight. The film's primary weakness, according to multiple reviewers, is its lack of depth, particularly in the second half, where its comedic tone clashes with the weight of its true-story subject matter and leaves the narrative feeling shallow. Comparisons to Scorsese's rise-and-fall narratives and films like The Social Network were drawn, though critics generally felt War Dogs did not reach those benchmarks.
3 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 8 critic reviews · may contain errors
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Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Film review ·
War Dogs is a film about two twenty-something men who do terrible things for a living. Besides echoing the Scorsese rise-and-fall story, the film is reminiscent of The Social Network - a more layered film about the moral corruption of twenty-somethings trying to win the world. Is there redemption? No.
Film review ·
There's a generous dose of fiction thrown in but for the most part, War Dogs serves up some pretty kick ass entertainment.
Film review ·
War Dogs is not some serious war movie plotting an expose on world politics. It's a light-hearted comedy that makes good use of classic guy material. There's loads of guns, money, cocaine, weed, fast cars and popular music (background score) on offer here. It's the perfect flavour of Pineapple Express.
Film review ·
The movie is replete with unmistakable characteristics of his earlier films — cocaine-snorting protagonists pulling off acts unimaginable by the regular you and me. There is just one major difference this time – War Dogs is based on true events.
Film review ·
Todd Phillips attempt is to give this film a 'Hangover' sort of burlesque and he succeeds partly- unfortunately that kind of treatment takes away from the purity of the true story. And that's a pity really.
Film review ·
This is one of those films that you watch for light humor but then in the end you are struck with a hard reality that makes you question the workings of the government and the morals of opportunists like Efraim. Jonah Hill has perfectly played the role of Efraim. From his Scarface references to his odd laugh, everything is spot on. Miles Teller has also upped his game in this one. Bradley Cooper's is a short role but effective enough.
Film review ·
The characters cite Scarface frequently but even more interestingly, each chapter in the film begins with a line of dialogue that will determine and set its tone.
Film review ·
This lack of depth gets exposed calamitously during the latter half when the film's veil of comedy drops; even Jonah Hill fails to make it all seem engaging. This likely explains the casting of Bradley Cooper, who, I'd guess, was paying off a debt. There can be no other reason for his deciding to play the role.
Credits
Miles TellerDavid Packouz
Jonah HillEfraim Diveroli
Ana de ArmasIz
Bradley Cooper
J. B. BlancBashkim
Barry LivingstonArmy Bureaucrat
Brenda KooVanessa
Mark Gordon
Cliff Martinez
Lawrence Sher
Jeff GrothEnglish films like War Dogs
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