War Dogs: An Overview
Cover image from Ebay.
“War Dogs, starring Miles Teller and Jonah Hill as bushy-tailed geek scoundrels who become Internet arms salesmen, is that rare thing: a based-in-reality movie that gives you a buzz. The film just about tingles with the antic pleasure of seeing people get away with things they shouldn’t.”
Since 2016, War Dogs has been an internet sensation. Raking in only $86.4 million at the box office, it wasn't a huge hit on release. In recent months, however, the film has gained significant traction on social media, through the edit culture found on apps like TikTok or Instagram.
Based on real-life events, the story follows the life of two unsuccessful young adults trying to score big. David Packouz, played by Miles Teller, and Efraim Diveroli, played by Jonah Hill, are two American arms dealers who are trying to make fast cash in a world full of major contractors.
Efraim Diveroli, the manic, screeching, ambition-filled, go-getter, performed eloquently by Jonah Hill, immediately seizes the audience's attention. His less than normal laugh and eccentric, usually sexist, mannerisms take center stage and captivate the whole theater. Jonah Hill is able to portray the character as a charming, smooth-talking entrepreneur. David Packouz (Miles Teller), a poor masseuse, meets up with his old friend, who offers him a job as his partner. With a new partner and job opportunity, the two travel the world in an attempt to win big in an industry packed full of big-time military contractors.
The two utilize a corrupt government system to middleman and sell weapons to the government. In the end, they fully take advantage of this system and defraud the government for millions of dollars by selling them fake utilities. The two ultimately get arrested and charged for their crimes, and are sentenced to house arrest.
Overall, Todd Phillips did an amazing job directing this film. From action-filled desert scenes to enthralling, romantic subplots, it leaves the crowd wanting more. Though on its release, the film did receive harsh criticism as a Lord of War copycat, or a gross take on American Hustle culture, modern media has welcomed it with open arms. As mentioned earlier, the film has amassed a large internet following; with edits of the film and clips circulating YouTube, the film has seen a massive increase in traction in recent months. The film’s massive media presence has cemented it as one of the greatest “hustle” films of all time.
The gritty action, and comedic timing that both Teller and Hill deliver are things that I and anyone else can enjoy. Beginning to end, I would recommend this film to anyone who has a couple hours to spare.
