Film Review: Team America: World Police (2004)

Some films earn their spot in history by giving valuable insight into the spirit of the times at one particular place. For early 21st century America, particularly during the Global War on Terror and the Iraq invasion, that film was Team America: World Police, 2004 satirical puppetry comedy directed by Trey Parker.

The film's script centres around Team America, an elite counterterrorism organisation combating various threats to world peace, often from Islamic radicals. After the death of one of its members, the team recruits Gary Johnson (voiced by Parker), a Broadway actor with impressive acting skills, to infiltrate a dangerous terrorist gang. Unbeknownst to Gary, the terrorists are backed by North Korean leader Kim Jong Il (also voiced by Parker), who aims to supply them with weapons of mass destruction to wreak havoc globally. Meanwhile, Gary falls for his fellow team member Lisa Jones (voiced by Kristen Miuller), while his teammates must confront not only Kim and his minions but also a group of Hollywood left-wing celebrities led by Alec Baldwin (voiced by Maurice LeMarche).

Parker, along with co-writer Matt Stone, is best known as the creator of the immensely popular and influential animated television series South Park. The script, which they co-wrote with Pam Brady, applies the same blend of biting political satire and dark humour that made South Park so successful. The concept owes a huge debt to The Thunderbirds, a popular children's science fiction puppetry television show from the 1960s, and Megaforce, a relatively obscure 1982 action film that used the same concept of an international mercenary force dealing with various world's troublemakers. However, the most important source of inspiration was the events of 9/11 and its aftermath, namely the Global War on Terror and the Iraq invasion, the latter becoming an increasing source of contention and division within American society during the heated 2004 presidential campaign that coincided with the film's production.

The decision to use puppetry instead of animation or live action initially appears brilliant, creating a surreal "out there" atmosphere when the puppet characters act like they are in an outrageous Bruckheimer-Bay action film. This effect is even greater when the same characters engage in graphic sex scenes, both straight and gay. These scenes, predictably, caused controversy with the MPAA Ratings Board censors, who were, just like with so many other films, more offended by sex than the scenes of graphic violence and carnage.

The film also features a strong element of music, with a number of likeable and memorable songs, such as "Everyone Gets AIDS," "I'm So Ronery," and "End of an Act." These serve not only as a Greek chorus but also as a parody of popular Broadway musicals.

While Team America had some box office success, it received mixed reviews from critics, with some influential names like Roger Ebert greeting it with hostility. The reason might be found in its political message, which many found confusing or muddled in the heated "Us vs. Them" atmosphere of the Bush years. Parker, Stone, and Brady take a "plague on both houses" approach, mocking both the jingoistic hubris of the Global War on Terror and the kneejerk "peacenik" reaction against it. The authors take a middle ground, which is explicitly told through a famous speech, first delivered by an unnamed drunk and then by the protagonist, using various parts of the human anatomy as metaphors.

More valid criticism against Team America should be on strictly technical merits. While the concept is great, the execution leaves much to be desired, with many jokes being crude and not that funny. Kim Jong Il, as the villain, is too cartoonish, and the ending is anti-climactic.

Despite these flaws, Team America remains an entertaining film that should be recommended to fans of irreverent comedy and outrageous concepts, even if they aren't particularly interested in seeing the world from two decades ago. Its unique blend of satire, humour, and puppetry makes it a cult classic worth revisiting.

RATING: 7/10 (+++)

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