Military Intelligence and You (2007)
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Military Intelligence and You is one of the funniest pictures I’ve seen in a while. It’s a creative spoof on “old style” World War II films, with enough jabs and pokes at the current administration and war effort to fill a “B-99″ bomber.
A brilliant blending of WWII-era training films and new footage, it pits intel officer Major Nick Reed (Patrick Muldoon) against the task of obtaining valid intelligence in order to attack the base of the German’s “Ghost Squadron.” The “Ghosts” have been using their 109’s to repeatedly obliterate the 950th bomber squadron on their runs.
The joke of course, is the entire “fabricated” and “invalid” intelligence, aimed squarely at the current situation in Iraq. Of course it never comes right out and says it, but the constant references to “12-7″ (just like 9-11) are a dead giveaway.
Throughout the “command center” footage starring other notables as Lt. Monica Tasty (Elizabeth Ann Bennett), Major Mitch Dunning (Mackenzie Astin), and Gen. Jake Tasker (John Rixey Moore) are entire subplots generated using the old training films.
The first involves a bomber crew that’s been captured by the Nazi’s and unwittingly divulge important details of their missions, gained through various means. The narration over this part is hilarious. “Of course if *you* are actually captured by the Nazi’s, its unlikely you’ll be treated to drinks beside a roaring fire. They’ll just break your fingers one-by-one until you crack!”
Then there is the recon plane and its pilot. He’s forced not once, but twice to fly into harms way to recon the area, and in the end succeeds.
And how can we forget the plight of good old “Jimmy Ryan” (likely borrowed from Saving Private Ryan…) sent off in the infantry to attack the towns of Schmenk and “Riboflavin.” His entire episode is a work unto itself.
Military Intelligence and You will leave you in stitches, yet at the same time the pokes and jabs make you think, “they’ve got a point.”
Some notable stars in the old training footage include William Holden, Ronald Reagan, and many more familiar faces. At times their performances, even overdubbed with new lines, outshine the main cast, which is somewhat unfortunate.
Be sure to check out the bonus section of the DVD. There’s an incredible (contemporary to the war) documentary on the Army Air Force 1st Motion Picture Division, who were responsible for creating all those training films. It’s funny to see the technology they had to use back then, equipment filling entire rooms, and realize that you could do *all* of it on your laptop today. This little gem alone is worth the price of admission!
You also have to wonder WTF a tank and a pair of legs (the DVD cover) have to do with anything in the film…. Eh, we’ll forgive you, it’s still funny.
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