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In the Loop

Released Jul 24, 2009 1h 46m Comedy List
94% Tomatometer 179 Reviews 82% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
During an interview, British Cabinet Minister Simon Foster (Tom Hollander) delivers an off-the-cuff remark that war in the Middle East is "unforeseeable." Profane political spin doctor Malcolm Tucker (Peter Capaldi) tries to cover up Foster's faux pas, but the ill-conceived comment is picked up by a warmongering American official. Foster is invited to Washington, D.C., where a war of words brews as politicians maneuver, manipulate and deceive each other before a U.N. vote on military action.
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In the Loop

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Critics Consensus

In the Loop is an uncommonly funny political satire that blends Dr. Strangelove with Spinal Tap for the Iraq war era.

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Critics Reviews

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Alonso Duralde TheWrap You probably wouldn't want to spend three hours listening to Alan Partridge's drive-time radio broadcast, but this idiotic DJ delivers a solid 90 minutes of cinematic entertainment. Oct 24, 2018 Full Review Deborah Ross The Spectator The performances are outstanding, and there are many laugh-out-loud moments as confirmed by the fact that I laughed out loud. Aug 29, 2018 Full Review Ed Koch The Atlantic This alleged satire, which received four-star treatment from other critics, left me with a ho-hum and sorry feeling that I had wasted an evening seeing it. Jan 17, 2018 Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review A durable, smartly-written assemblage of highly quotable material that will continue to be funny no matter how many times you see it. Rated: 4/4 Sep 4, 2023 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy A vicious satire with ice in its veins and poison in its fangs. Rated: 3.5/4 Apr 10, 2022 Full Review Jason Best Movie Talk For all those still seething over the cynical manipulation and mendacity behind Bush and Blair's rush to war in Iraq, Armando Iannucci's blistering political satire In the Loop offers a measure of catharsis. Nov 24, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Dave S When a British politician offers his personal opinion that American military intervention in the Middle East is ‘unforeseeable’, a chaotic chain of events unravel as tension between British and American political power brokers builds. Written and directed by Armando Iannucci, In the Loop will be loved by anyone who appreciated his later works, namely The Death of Stalin and the TV series Veep. It’s got some great performances (especially by Peter Capaldi as the perpetually angry, foul-mouthed government spokesperson) and a fantastic script filled with stinging political satire and often hilarious dialogue. Sure, the handheld camerawork feels a bit erratic and dizzying at times, but that is a small complaint about an otherwise excellent film. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 09/12/24 Full Review S R Some original comedy here with good writing and acting. It must have launched the careers of many of these aspiring actors and led to Veep and others. Despite the bad language it is witty and entertaining despite me being frustrated with the stupidity of the characters. RUS Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 08/17/24 Full Review Su A I tried watching this after a friend recommended it but couldn't get past the first 5 minutes due to the camera work. I was getting motion sickness. Even when people are sat still at their desks the camera bounces around like they're at sea in a storm. I got so annoyed I couldn't watch the rest Rated 1 out of 5 stars 06/24/24 Full Review Sammy B I cannot imagine being friends with anyone who didn't absolutely love this movie. If you don't "get it", you don't "get" much in this life. Truly fabulous. One of my all time favorite films. Brilliantly funny. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/24/24 Full Review Nina I saw it in the cinema when it came out and laughed myself silly, then bought the DVD, then bluray. I've seen it maybe six times and have lent it to friends at least as many times. One of my top five, if not top three, pick-me-up scathingly hilarious movies. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/21/23 Full Review Mark C Brilliantly funny and well acted. Watch again today for the 10th time! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/03/23 Full Review Read all reviews
In the Loop

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis During an interview, British Cabinet Minister Simon Foster (Tom Hollander) delivers an off-the-cuff remark that war in the Middle East is "unforeseeable." Profane political spin doctor Malcolm Tucker (Peter Capaldi) tries to cover up Foster's faux pas, but the ill-conceived comment is picked up by a warmongering American official. Foster is invited to Washington, D.C., where a war of words brews as politicians maneuver, manipulate and deceive each other before a U.N. vote on military action.
Director
Armando Iannucci
Producer
Kevin Loader, Adam Tandy
Screenwriter
Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci, Tony Roche
Distributor
IFC Films
Production Co
BBC
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 24, 2009, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 27, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$2.4M
Runtime
1h 46m
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