Team America: World Police (2004)

 

This right here, is a rather silly movie. With 2004's “Team America: World Police”, we not only get a very different side to both Matt Stone and Trey Parker, but also a different side to how movies are made. And what we get is a rather hilarious and funny satire on politics and the world at the time, in one of the most ingenious ways possible. That does, however, deviate the film's legacy a bit, as well as some of the story elements being easy to predict. But that doesn't mean the entire film is entertaining. From beginning to end, the movie is thrill ride of excitement and humor. “Team America: World Police” might not be for everyone, but it is a hilarious comedy poking fun at a time when things were not so harmful. And it all involves puppets.

The story revolves around a team of elite forces: Gary, Joe, Chris, Lisa and Sarah. Their mission is to stop terrorists from destroying the world by launching weapons of mass destruction. Now, using their intelligence, the team must work together, and resolve their differences, in order to stop terrorism from destroying the world. And possibly taking out North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.

“Team America: World Police” is weird, but it is one of the most fascinating productions that you will ever have to witness.

For starters, Parker and Stone provide most of the voices in this feature, and they do a fine job. Along with professional voice actors like Maurice LaMarche and Fred Tatasciore, the cast does surprisingly well with what they are given. From original characters, to a lot of celebrity impersonations, all of the actors and actresses do a good job here.

The editing and pacing o the film is rather exceptional. By making the movie feel more like an action flick, “Team America: World Police” fits right at home in the action genre. With every scene moving freely to keep viewers engaged, there is a lot to be entertained from this crazy flick.

There are also a wide variety of songs in the movie. Most of them are written and sung by Parker, the songs do have their moment to shine in the film. From poking fun at Broadway shows, to putting a big and heavy emphasis on the importance of the United States of America, the songs provided here are a great way to let out some laughter. Plus, we even have a musical number with Kim Jong-il; that's pretty funny.

But the best thing about this film is how the entire production is handled. All of this is thanks to the Chiodo Brothers.

Unlike a lot of movies, “Team America: World Police” handles its production in a very different manner. The entire production is done using puppets; more specifically, marionettes. And yes, you do see the strings attached to them. By also utilizing robotics on the head and other features, the puppets are used in a very bizarre and unique manner that a lot of other productions cannot use. This is also used in the execution of certain scenes, like the infamous puppet sex scene, among other memorable moments. The sex scene alone pushes this movie's R rating to the fullest. Plus, the characters and celebrities look amazing, and fit very well with the comedic tone that the film is trying to offer.

Then, there are the sets and backgrounds. These little landscapes are lively and full of detail. All of them offer up a variety of locations that utilize the puppets in their surroundings. From real world locations like Paris and Cairo, to an impressive secret base, what kind of sets are used, definitely are a sight for the eyes. There are even little details that upon further viewings, you are more than likely to miss; these sets and backgrounds are just that good.

However, that doesn't mean that “Team America: World Police” is far from perfect.

The story is the biggest issue of the movie. From the dialogue, to the actual progression of the story itself, this does bring the film down a couple of notches. With a lot of scenes that go nowhere, like the scene with Hans Blix, the movie does feel like it's trying to make a point, but stumbles along the way. Also, the movie does set itself up for a sequel, but due to real life events, like Kim Jong-il dying, and the hell the Matt and Trey went through during this production, it's highly unlikely that we will have some sort of continuation. Because of this, “Team America: World Police” does feel a little dated when watching it now. Yet, that does not mean it still is very silly in its execution and enjoyable to watch.

Overall, “Team America: World Police” is definitely a fun and visually pleasing movie. While the story can be its biggest problem, the full experience is totally worth it every single minute.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken (2023)

Image
  We all have been teenagers at one point in our lives. But we could never unleash our full potential. Luckily, through the power of animation, DreamWorks proves that teenage power in their latest feature, “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken”. And while it doesn't fit a three act structure, it does make up for good performances, interesting characters, and good morals in the end. “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken” is a decent portrayal of being an outcast in the water; pun intended. The plot involves Ruby Gillman (Lana Condor), a teenager who just so happens to be a descendant from the monstrous kraken that everyone fears. Along with her parents Agatha and Arthur (Toni Collette and Colman Domingo respectively), and her younger brother Sam (Blue Chapman), Ruby must blend in with the humans and try not to go into the water. That is until her crush sends Ruby into the ocean, and transforms her entire body into a giant kraken. Under the tutelage of her grandmother (Jane Fonda), Ruby must protec
Read more

You So Crazy (1994)

Image
 One of the more interesting comedians that is out there is Martin Lawrence. His take on African American culture, as well as culture in general, has put him on the map as one of the most prolific actor in Hollywood. And in the 90s, he was everywhere on the comedic scene. Landing small roles in both television and film, Martin eventually made a name for himself with the TV series 'Martin'. And eventually, with his 1994 feature stand-up film “You So Crazy”. Filmed before a live audience in New York City, Martin jokes and pokes fun at a selection of topics like drugs and alcohol, and especially sex, all uncensored. That's right, harsh language, and suggestive content is all here for the adults to witness and view. However, considering that this came out in 1994, a lot of the humor as aged and has become dated. But that doesn't mean the film is bad; it's just flawed, in certain areas. While “You So Crazy” may not hold up as well among other stand-up features, it more t
Read more

The Beekeeper (2024)

Image
  Bees are an integral part of our world; without them, planet Earth would not flourish. They are fighters, for sure. But what happens when you use the bee metaphor in the case or real world scenarios? You would get the feature film “The Beekeeper”, an action film starring Jason Statham, written by Kurt Wimmer, and directed by David Ayer. The movie enjoys itself with its copious amounts of action in its hour and forty five minute runtime. Although, the film does have some issues that are quite noticeable, they do not hinder the overall experience whatsoever. “The Beekeeper” is an interesting concept with its title, and a decent action film that grabs your attention to the very end. The story centers on a man named Adam Clay (Statham), who enjoys taking care of bees for an elderly lady. One day, the woman gets scammed and commits suicide, leaving Adam all alone. But he's not alone. It turns out that Adam is what's known as a Beekeeper: a special forces agent that is tasked on f
Read more