Four Lions

When it was first announced that Chris Morris was making a film about suicide bombers it would have been a brave man to predict such a film would ever see the light of day. One of the enfant terrible’s of the establishment for many years now, Four Lions would seem a hot potato in anyone’s hands let alone the man who caused uproar with that episode of Brass Eye. However, for people who know Morris, you would know that he would only ever embark on such a challenge after meticulous research, and any result would be a serious comment on the subject shown through a measured satirical approach. The crux of the matter is that Morris’ film tells the story of a number of suicide bombers who happen to be clumsy, stupid and out of their depth. He’s not saying that this is what all suicide bombers are like. In fact, and I think very wisely (perhaps even Morris knew he could only push things so far) Morris tells the story in an almost restrained manner and all comments regarding religion (good, bad, hypocritical) are told through his characters and their actions as opposed to using broad strokes across the whole film. However, some serious points are made, but they’re not totally noticeable at the time as you’ll be laughing too much. The film is well acted by a cast of relative unknowns and Morris moves the film along at decent pace, only let down by a few scenes that feel like skits as opposed to part of the narrative. Morris himself doesn’t appear in the film which may disappoint some, but he does appear by voice over in a killer punchline in the end credits. Speaking of the end, by the time the jihadists make their way towards London to attack the London Marathon, its still up in the air as to which direction the film will go. I won’t spoil what happens, but although the laughs don’t dry up we are deep into black comedy territory now. This can’t be described as a return to form for Morris (arguably he’s never lost it) but for the somewhat reclusive Morris this is a return, and for that we can all thank our blessings.

The OC Film Sting Final Verdict
A triumph for Morris as he steers clear of anything too controversial, lets the audience decide for themselves, and gives us a film that is laugh out loud funny from start to finish. Rating: 8/10.