Army of One

Army of One, released in 2016, is a directional gem from Larry Charles known for masterminding iconic comedies such as "Borat", "Bruno", and "The Dictator”. The movie, characterized by its absurdist humor and dark comedy, features a captivating performance by Nicolas Cage at the center. Supporting him in his amusing endeavor are esteemed actors like Russell Brand, Wendi McLendon-Covey, and several others, each showcasing their knack for offbeat comedy.

Army of One is loosely based on a real-life event narrated in a GQ article titled "The Man Who Hunted Osama Bin Laden”. It takes a slice from reality and bakes it into a full-blown comedic drama by adding fictional elements. The film relies on the premise of an ordinary man's extraordinary mission, carried out in the singular belief that he is the chosen one to hunt down Osama Bin Laden.

The primary focus of the narrative is on Gary Faulkner (played by Nicolas Cage), a somewhat eccentric and passionate construction worker from Colorado. Cage slips into the character with such aplomb that the audience can’t help but root for this absurdly ambitious underdog.

In an unpredicted twist of destiny, Faulkner claims to have received a call from God, a character voiced and portrayed by the infamous comedian Russell Brand in a quirkily divine bearing. Brand lends weight to the film’s light-hearted take on matters of global importance, offering a sense of divine silliness with his peculiar demeanor. These higher power recommendations propel the unsuspecting regular man to embark on an adventure reaching all the way to Pakistan, adopting all sorts of eccentric methods to complete his mission.

On the home front, Gary's girlfriend Marci, played by Wendi McLendon-Covey, is etched in with a similarly unpredictable nature, adding another layer of hilariousness to the story. Even as she supports her boyfriend's bizarre ambitions, she narrates their incredible story in her funny, tongue-in-cheek style, satisfying the audience's curiosity throughout.

Despite being a man with no military background or relevant skills, the character of Gary Faulkner is undeterred and determined. He is a classic study in audacity, a maverick taking on the Hercules’s task with little more than a single-edged sword and a captivating spirit. The humor surrounding his commitment and the challenges he faces connect us with the character's eccentric persona in a delightful way.

The film manages to handle the sensitive and controversial topic of terrorism with amusing irreverence, making sure that the themes do not cross the confines of comedy. It disseminates the action and suspense throughout its storyline, carefully packaged within layers of laughter.

Nicolas Cage brings a distinctive charm to the character, imbuing Gary with passion that borders on awkward hilarity, yet uniquely appealing. Russell Brand's God is surprisingly endearing for a divine entity, one who seems to enjoy his interventions in human affairs, while Wendi McLendon-Covey, in her narrative role, uses her comic timing to perfection.

Director Larry Charles skillfully knits together a rich tapestry of comedy, adventure, and drama while dipping his toes in the broader context of global politics, terrorism, religion, and courage. The cinematography adds a visual treat to the storytelling, illuminating fascinating landscapes and urban scapes from Colorado to Pakistan.

In summary, Army of One is a humorous take on one man's unintended and unconventional quest to single-handedly hunt down one of the world's most dangerous men. It tactfully blends the elements of faith, determination, and patriotism with Cage’s idiosyncratic comedic style and Brand's divine comedy into a full two hours of laughter and entertainment. The viewers embark on an unpredictable ride, laughing through the roller coaster journey of an ordinary man on an extraordinary mission. The film stands as a testament to the power of human belief and the limitless potential of humor in recounting the most serious of events.