In the Loop

This film is funny in places but I have to be honest and say I had no idea what was going on plot wise. It might be due to the fact that I hadn't watched Question Time, the TV series that this is based on, so didn't really know too much about the characters, their motivations, quirks etc.

If you like good political comedy then you should have become aware of the BBC TV series ‘The Thick of It.’ However, if this has escaped you then it’s probably best to stop reading right now and go and watch it. The bottom line: if you like The Thick of It then you’ll like In the Loop. It’s basically the same animal, or a ‘compendium piece’ as I’ve heard it described. Whereas The Thick of It stayed in Britain, In the Loop also takes us to America where we see that U. S. politics is just as jaded and back-stabbing as its U. K. counterpart. The British Prime Minister and the American President fancy starting a war. The only problem is that there really isn’t a good argument for starting one. Therefore, America enlists the help of Downing Street’s legendary ‘Enforcer’ (or ‘Director of Communications’ to give him his correct title) Malcolm Tucker (perfectly played, as usual, by Peter Capaldi) to come up with some ‘evidence’ which supports the upcoming invasion. Sounds familiar? Well, it should. It’s a case of art (sadly) imitating life as comparisons with George and Tony’s handling of the invasion of Iraq are evident for all to see. It may not sound like an ideal source for comedy, but, handled well and you’ll be cringing at one political mess after another. In fact, politics is probably better this way. At least these politicians are meant to be funny and entertaining. Their real life incarnations cause as many problems, but don’t give us any good laughs along the way. The only thing you need to know (if you watched the TV series first) was that only Malcolm Tucker remains the same character. All the other regular faces from the TV show are there, but they play different characters (that confused me the first time I saw it, but eventually I got used to it!).

Fast paced and thoroughly enjoyable political comedy. James Gandolfini (yes, Tony Soprano) in particular is brilliant. Definitely recommended to anyone who likes Have I Got News For You and the like.

A must see for anyone interested in the war against bull****. The Scots should love it the most I imagine.

Really enjoyable political spoof from the ever funny Armando Iannucci taking the TV sitcom The Thick Of It to the big screen.

Peter Capaldi's character is as foul mouthed and angry as ever! James Gandolfini is a good addition to the original cast and a cameo from Steve Coogan helps provide some good down to earth British humour.

Well worth the watch.