ARMY OF ONE
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Matthew Modine, Russell Brand Director: Larry Charles Rating: 2 out of 5
Like many great minds who claim to have spoken to God (Brand), Gary Faulkner (Cage), 47, is motivated by a Quixotic task—to kill Osama Bin Laden. Though “sane as you and me,” as his shrink declares, Faulkner has wild ideas that defy logic. After convincing his nephrologist (Modine) to lend him $1,000, he embarks on a mission that takes him to Mexico, Israel and Pakistan, where his search for the al-Qaida leader becomes even more eventful.
Director Charles’ film is based on a true story. Faulkner’s journey initially amuses, but Cage, who works hard despite a messy script, is ultimately weighed down by his frivolous and inconsistent characterization, which vacillates between whiny, nasal stammering and a manic delivery. To be fair, there’s some winking fun to be had in the film, but it fails to realize the promise of its compelling premise. —RITOASILO