Scabarous

Subtly is not always the best facet of comedy, yet it also has the capacity to make us laugh more than any other factor. Davd Brent's sly looks can make us laugh just as much as his insane dance moves but comedy is perhaps best when the two are combined.

In the Loop a cinematic remake of In the Thick of It, a TV program written by Armando Ianucci, combines two of comedy's essential qualities to create a dark satire on the process that led Britain and America to war in Iraq. Dealing with the serious issues of the creativity utilised by governments to make a case for war, as well as the allure of power and the obsession with career, In the Loop manages to be hilairous despite its bitter subject matter. It's other triumph lies in the fact that it's character's are horrendous to a fault they are either stupid, vain, self serving, bullying or flexible with their morality in the face of war's gathering storm where they feel their reputations will be forged or their career's broken. Peter Capaldi is brilliant as a spin doctor who brings new meaning to the term foul mouthed, whilst Tom Hollander brings life to the simpering minister caught up in the intentions of transatlantic executives. Steve Coogan has an excellent cameo that brings into sharp focus the priorities of government ministers and perpetuates the mentalist character trend perfectly.

In the Loop asks important questions about power and democracy whilst being hugely funny at the same time. Although it's characters are invariably hideous the fact that you would never want to meet them doesn't prevent you from laughing at them making Ianucci's film a dark, scabarous but enjoyable affair.