Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
War in Iraq isn't funny -- neither is this movie.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Delta Farce
What's the Story?
A recently jilted Larry and his loser buddies Everett (DJ Qualls) and Bill (Bill Engvall) hole up at their state Army reservists' base for a weekend of drinking and hunting. When they're activated by hard-nosed Sergeant Kilgore (Keith David channeling R. Lee Ermey from Full Metal Jacket), they still don't understand the severity of being called up for duty. Sleeping in the air transport on the way to Fallujah, they accidentally get ejected and don't realize they are in fact in Mexico instead. The three amigos come across two Mexican men speaking Spanish but still believe they're in Iraq. The Mexicans, realizing that the American soldiers are indeed as dense as their helmets, lure the threesome to their besieged village to ward off bandits led by Carlos Santana (no, not the musician, the underrated character actor Danny Trejo from Grindhouse and Spy Kids).
Is It Any Good?
David and Trejo are compelling supporting players, but even their presence can't make DELTA FARCE watchable. The war just isn't amusing, and neither is portraying red-state soldiers and Mexicans as stereotypical buffoons. And that's something moviegoers on every point of the political spectrum would probably agree upon.
No matter how viewers feel about the current war in Iraq, it's probably safe to say that most families don't consider it a funny topic. Apparently Larry the Cable Guy -- otherwise known as the "Git 'er done" member of the Blue Collar Comedy group -- and his pal, director C.B. Harding, thought otherwise when they developed this war movie parody.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether this movie is a criticism of the war or a tribute to the troops it's dedicated to. Is it funny to ridicule the military, the war, and active reservists? Why or why not? How are Mexicans portrayed? What stereotypes does the film exploit? Does calling something a "spoof" mean it's OK to go for laughs based on labels and preconceived notions?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 11, 2007
- On DVD or streaming : September 4, 2007
- Cast : Bill Engvall , DJ Qualls , Larry the Cable Guy
- Director : C.B. Harding
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : crude and sexual humor.
- Last updated : January 30, 2023
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