October 15, 2004

Thanks for the free movie, now here's your blurb

Went to see a screening of "Team America: World Police" last night, which I'm pretty sure was being shown in its NC-17 version, because that was some pret-ty extreme puppet sex going on there. If that was the R-rated cut, I really wonder what the more explicit version was like.

Anyway, the movie was a hoot, either despite or because of its absolutely ham-handed approach to satire. Speaking as a liberal, it's hard to feel seriously criticized by the implication that liberal actors think they can fix the world by killing people who are trying to attack Kim Jong Il -- especially since it ain't us liberals who are ignoring North Korea. (If I wanted to be generous, I might theorize that the depiction of Hollywood liberals is meant to satirize the right wing's characterization of dissent as something that aids terrorists...but I just don't get the impression that the thought process behind the film was that nuanced.) So what I'm trying to say is, if you're expecting insightful political commentary, oh my lord are you at the wrong movie. This is really just a send-up of action movies, and one that takes the current world situation as one big opportunity for offending as many people as possible. With songs. Definitely worth seeing if you like that whole South Park aesthetic.

(Incidentally, there is a little Easter egg at the end of the credits for people who are not impatient. It's worth sticking around for.)

Posted by Francis at 03:41 PM | TrackBack
Comments

Sorry that I couldn't join you last night.

As for whether you saw the NC-17 version: Did it have a golden shower scene? That was apparently in the directors' cut. They said on Conan (I think) that the scene was cut from 3 minutes to 40 seconds, so that would be another indicator.

Posted by: ugarte at October 15, 2004 05:09 PM

Wow, no, there wasn't a golden shower scene. I guess I'll have to wait for the DVD.

Posted by: Francis at October 15, 2004 05:13 PM

So glad you could make it out! Thanks for the blurb. :)

Posted by: Bernie at October 26, 2004 08:27 PM