![\"WTF\"](\"http:\/\/filmgaze.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/WTF.jpg\")
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This is one of those films where the trailer tries to \u2018humourise\u2019 a serious subject, blatantly using the comedic reputation of its star, Tina Fey<\/a>. Naturally and effortlessly funny, Fey has instant\u00a0kudos to headline a film. However, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot<\/em><\/a> actually has that M*A*S*H<\/em><\/a> irony to it, where the humour is subtle and sardonic, but still with lighter punch lines to lift the mood. In fact, those who have been fortunate enough to see LFF<\/a> 2015\u2019s black comedy\u00a0A Perfec<\/em>t Day<\/em><\/a> will immediately get what it\u2019s trying to achieve.<\/p>\n Based on a true story, stuck in a dead-end newsroom role, journalist Kim Baker (Fey) \u2013 unmarried and without kids \u2013 volunteers to cover the early 2000 Afghanistan war for one of the big American broadcasters. This is the story of the highs and lows of how she builds up her career as a war correspondent on camera and the people she encounters \u2013 like fellow photo journalist Tanya Vanderpoel (Margot Robbie<\/a>), and finding love along the way (played by Martin Freeman<\/a>).<\/p>\n Whiskey Tango Foxtrot<\/em> is obviously guilty of glossing over some of the ugliness and humdrum moments of being a foreign war correspondent. However, from news agency experience<\/a>, what it does capture very well is the insanity of the situation; of how the incredible becomes the norm. It\u2019s that bubble of Western society functioning autonomously when the camera is switched off for the day.<\/p>\n Fey is a natural lead choice here, complete with that approachable combination of smart and witty that you can almost imagine the actress herself stepping in the real-life reporting role. In fact, Fey cast opposite Robbie as Vanderpoel highlights the absurdity of the latter\u2019s \u2018Hollywood looks\u2019 added to glamorize the seriousness of the situation. However, with a nod to her appearance at the very start of Baker and Vanderpoel\u2019s first meet, Robbie soon wins credibility and establishes herself as a worthy co-star in this.<\/p>\n More curious is Freeman\u2019s turn. As Scottish war photographer and confident ladies man Iain MacKelpie, you\u2019re forever waiting for his slapstick moment to happen. There are always elements of The Office<\/a><\/em>\u2019s Canterbury in his delivery. Not only does Freeman hold down a convincing accent throughout, but he also uses humour to diffuse the dangerous environment his character encounters. It\u2019s fascinating to watch him in this straighter role.<\/p>\n