BeautifulBallad Reviews Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is not a romantic comedy and not your typical Tina Fey movie. Based on reporter, Kim Barker’s memoir, The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Fey plays Kim Baker, a TV news producer who leaves her bland job and her even more bland boyfriend in the United States to pursue a career as a foreign TV correspondent in Afghanistan.

Having never traveled abroad before or done on camera reporting, the audience follows Kim as she embarks on a journey that will change her life forever. The story jumps back and forth from Kim’s experiences out in the field to her experiences with the other press members reporting from Afghanistan. As the film is based on real life memoirs, the events in the film show reporters would do anything they could to get a story, no matter the circumstance.

Initially, one would think the movie would be more on the serious side, and while the flick does have its somber moments, this is a comedy through and through. A touch of romance also crops up, but don’t let this mislead you, it is not a romantic comedy. Instead the movie is journey of a woman who shakes up her entire life by taking a risk on a new life in a war-torn location. The dialogue is sharp and witty, allowing Fey the chance to use her comedic chops and show off her emotional side.

Margot Robbie and Martin Freeman portray fun supporting characters but it is Christopher Abbot’s Fahim and Billy Bob Thorton’s General Hollanek that really drive the emotional and comedic sides of the story. These two characters shine alongside Fey.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is very reminiscent of Julia Roberts’ Eat Pray Love, except instead of going to Italy to find oneself through food, love and yoga, this movie’s lead find herself in war-torn Afghanistan hoping to create a new life through friendship, risk and fighting for what she wants.

If you can’t see it in theaters, this is definitely one to watch on DVD. Although seeing it in theaters would be a very pleasant way to spend your weekend.

Grade: B