War Stories

When I saw this pilot episode of what was supposed to be a TV series, I was quite excited about it. The story was daring and original, considering the usual high-tech kitsch that usually air on broadcast TV ("24", "CSI" and the likes). This show felt different - in a way it felt real, like it had meat on its bones. It was more than just stories of people and the outlandish things that happen to them - it dealt with ideas and got one thinking. War Stories talked about the grittiest, truest and maybe noblest side of journalism: war correspondents. This was a show that seemed to chose story lines mirroring reality, even if that reality felt a bit uncomfortable to acknowledge. Finally, I thought, a series that tries to be more than pointless thrills and suspense. The series was even mentioned by Newsweek magazine for its originality and provocative subject. Unfortunately, by next week the show was cancelled. I guess, since the show was too daring, didn't fit a "format", and mostly considering the political climate and the attitude towards war at the time, someone threw their weight around, and instead of more episodes of War Stories we got more mind-numbing sitcoms, reality shows, and cheesy thrillers. Heaven forbid we see something controversial that expresses a different point of view, or gets us thinking. Still, I am hoping the producers haven't given up on this one yet...

The DVD release does not include the extended voice-over complained about in other reviews...

So far this is a funny flick, with serious issues. (I'm mid way thru it)

Jeff does a great job delivering dialog, and the setting is...realistic.

Reminds me a little of...Wag the Dog vs. Three Kings.

I would recommend checking this movie out if you're in the mood for a good watch, and not a full out SFX orgy.

It grooves man, dig it.

In Uzbekistan war correspondents compete and struggle to get the "hot" story while risking their lives. The movie has various relationship triangles. The movie focuses on the life of one disgruntled, cold reporter in particular. An exploration of objectivity is explored. Refugee camps are reviewed with respect to their insignificance to governments. The human side of "terrorists" is depicted. Deep insights into the value of life and different peoples take on this is explored. There are various plot twists that add intrigue. A discovery is made about U.S. deliberate acts that defy morality to track a wanted terrorist. Good cinematography and pacing. Exciting and thought provoking movie.

War Stories is a great movie centering on two journalists covering the war in Uzbek and 9/11 attacks. War Stories is a great movie centering on two journalists covering the war in Uzbek and 9/11 attacks. War Stories is a great movie centering on two journalists covering the war in Uzbek and 9/11 attacks. War Stories is a great movie centering on two journalists covering the war in Uzbek and 9/11 attacks. War Stories is a great movie centering on two journalists covering the war in Uzbek and 9/11 attacks. War Stories is a great movie centering on two journalists covering the war in Uzbek and 9/11 attacks. War Stories is a great movie centering on two journalists covering the war in Uzbek and 9/11 attacks. War Stories is a great movie centering on two journalists covering the war in Uzbek and 9/11 attacks.

This is a sexy, cynical tale about journalists in a war zone trying to uncover the truth as they dodge bombs, gun-toting extremists and a corrupt government intent on using them as spies. Not bad for a pilot episode though I doubt America will receive this series with open arms due to the current war fever spreading in Washington. Still, kudos to NBC for even considering doing a series like this. What is established right off the bat is that there is no truth, just stories. We have a crew of hardened war correspondents, lead by Ben (Jeff Goldblume), who throw themselves into hot zones (and into each other's beds) with wild abandon, tossing off cigarettes and snarky quips at each other as they hunt for the all-elusive scoop. This group includes a newbie photographer who is partnered up with Ben, a foreign-accented spy/source, a beautiful blonde British journalist who sleeps with everyone but Ed Begley Jr., and, well, Ed Begley Jr. I think War Stories has great potential as it addresses the age-old issue of journalistic objectivity with more contemporary arguments and with sexy results. It's a refreshing alternative from the slew of reality-based TV programming spamming our networks.