Review of Army of One (2016) by Tyler — 04 Nov 2016

**Not Quite Upto the Mark. Can Be Avoided.**.

I was skeptical about this movie. In recent times Nicholas Cage has lost that sheen of yesteryear. But I placed my faith in Larry Charles, the director, who has a reputation of directing comedies.

The movie starts on a bizarre note with an exaggerated monologue from Faulkner (Nicholas Cage). First 10-15 minutes of the movie are essentially Faulkner indulging in monologues with an over-the-top accent. Cage does a good job in enacting the concocted accent but the conversation starts to cloy after a few minutes. I constantly felt an urge of leaving it right there but somehow stayed on.

The movie picks up pace with the actual story of Faulkner's travels to Pakistan kicking in. There are a few genuinely funny moments in the middle but they are few and far between. One can actually see the highly compartmentalized screenplay. First 15-20 minutes introducing Faulkner and his surroundings, next 15-20 minutes narrating his few unsuccessful travels, next 15-20 minutes his stay in Pakistan, next 15-20 minutes for his tryst with CIA and next 15-20 vaguely wrapping up and last 10 minutes showing real-life footage of Gary Faulkner- the man himself, before the credits. There is nothing wrong with such a flow but the whole thing looks very contrived and forced. Parts of the movie feel like disjointed sketches forced together to make a collage. Another distasteful part of the film is the clichéd and dismissive portrayal of Pakistan and its social setup. Which is by the way Morocco, not Pakistan!!

But there are a few bright spots in the film too. Russell Brand playing the Almighty God brings up some really funny moments. Actually most of the genuine humor in the film spews out of the fanciful conversation of Faulkner with "God". Wendi McLendon-Covey plays a small but praiseworthy role as Faulkner's love interest. She should have been given a more substantive part in the film.

In all 'Army of One' is a mediocre movie which can be seen if you've nothing better to do. It takes in very good talent but churns out an avoidable product. Nicholas Cage should seriously look for some better roles if he is serious in reviving his once superb career.