Let me start off by saying that Tina Fey is fantastic in this movie. She really nails the part, and she is engaging and convincing. This movie got mixed reviews from others who are far better known for their critical analysis of films disagree with me, and perhaps they have a better sense than I what the gallows humor that photographers and journalist have when they are in war torn regions. It is certainly true that many of them have given their lives doing their jobs. I am particularly struck by Tim Hetherington's story. He made the compelling documentary 'Restrepo' while embedded with American troops in Afghanistan and then was killed in the action in Misurata, Libya in the Arab Spring. These folks face real danger to put the news on our tables everyday.
Fey plays Kim Baker, a reported who spends time in Afghanistan either in Kabul holed up with other reporters in a sort of alcohol fueled college frat kind of experience interspersed with the adrenaline rush that comes with being in combat when they are embedded with U.S. troops. Billy Bob Thornton is commendable as the commander of U.S. forces that Baker works with and Martin Freeman as the charming scamp of a reporter who loves and ultimately leaves Baker. Very funny in a dark gallows sense.
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