Movie Review - Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot ***½ (out of 5) (R) Tina Fey takes a bold step away from comedy, while honing the substantive side of her craft in this fact-based portrayal of a TV journalist, Kim Barker, sent to Afghanistan in 2003, despite a complete dearth of relevant experience or training. Just as our military’s ranks were being depleted by the decision to prematurely divert focus to ousting Saddam Hussein in Iraq, our news agencies had to clear their benches, sending second-stringers to Afghanistan, while the varsity moved on to the headline-grabbing shock-and-awe front.

Fey’s character is clearly a fish out of water (literally and figuratively) as to combat, climate and culture. But her grit factor runs well above appearances, as a three-month stint turns into three years. We learn much about the time, place and players, up close and personal, along with our intrepid protagonist. Barker is credited as a co-author of the screenplay, based on her book about living in that war zone. The result is first-rate, working on multiple levels. We see the culture shock, living conditions and rigors of covering the combat and politics of those years. We feel the fears, share the uncertainties, the bonding, the alienation and frustrations that would have typified the experiences of Barker and her colleagues. There’s suspense, action, and a full tapestry of characters from all involved countries and regions. If you don’t understand the title, ask a friend. Hint: it’s an abbreviation.

There are many laughs along the way, but they’re the mostly the macho banter of soldiers, or relief valves from the constant, multi-faceted tensions surrounding the civilians in their midst. Anyone leaving this theater without greatly enhanced respect for war correspondents has no soul; or at least no heart. Fey’s performance bodes well for a broader range of roles to come. Sarah Palin will be greatly relieved to learn that her hilarious avatar may be otherwise engaged. (3/4/16)