An Iraq War Veteran recently analyzed the action comedy movie, War Dogs, directed by Todd Phillips and released in 2016. The film is based on the true story of two young men who secured a lucrative Pentagon contract to supply arms in Afghanistan. The veteran scrutinized a car chase scene set in Fallujah, Iraq, noting that while the film accurately portrayed the region's danger, the tactics during the chase were unrealistic.
The veteran shared insights from his experience in the Triangle of Death area, emphasizing the threat of IEDs and insurgent activities. He highlighted that in real-life scenarios, combat engineers cleared routes, and infantry units conducted patrols to deter enemies. The veteran pointed out that ambushes typically occurred from the sides rather than a direct chase scenario depicted in the film.
War Dogs received mixed reviews from critics, with a 62% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 57 Metacritic score. However, audience reception was more favorable, with a 69% Rotten Tomatoes score and a 7.8 user rating on Metacritic. Despite positive audience feedback, the film underperformed at the box office, grossing $86.4 million worldwide against a $40 million budget.
The movie's cast, including Jonah Hill and Miles Teller, did not translate into significant box office success. While Teller's subsequent role in Top Gun: Maverick may have boosted War Dogs' appeal today, the comedic take on arms dealing and military contracts may not have resonated with theatrical audiences. Nevertheless, the film found a second life on streaming platforms like Netflix, garnering moderate success post-theatrical release.
War Dogs weaves a narrative around the moral dilemmas faced by the characters as they navigate risky deals and betrayals in the arms-dealing business. The story culminates in a gripping climax, forcing the protagonist to confront the consequences of his choices and leading to unexpected outcomes and a poignant resolution.
