Forsgren: Tina Fey fights an identity crisis in “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot”

When I was in high school, I struggled to make friends. I still do now, only I care a lot less about friends and being social and that kind of thing. Anyway, I tried desperately to make myself fit in with whatever clique I thought I wanted to be a part of. I did things I wouldn’t do under the normal run of things and pretended to like things I hated in hopes of making friends. There were several times that I felt like I lost who I really was. What I’m saying is that I completely understand what Tina Fey’s character goes through in “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot.”

”Whiskey” is a pretty small story set amidst big events. It tells of the struggle of Kim Baker (Tina Fey), a war correspondent in Afghanistan. She leaves her life in the U.S. because she wants a change, and boy does she ever get one. As her tenure in Afghanistan, Kim finds herself taking risks she wouldn’t normally take and losing perspective on who she is and what life is all about.

It’s Fey’s performance as Kim that drives this film. When we meet her, Kim’s in a malaise and looking for an adventure. She goes to Kabul a wide-eyed, inexperienced reporter. The movie charts her growth, both in confidence and in the illusion that her life in the war zone is really who she is now. Fey plays this arc beautifully, going through moments of toughness and vulnerability, fear and resolve.

Fey is supported by fine work from her cast mates. Margot Robbie is great as a more seasoned reporter who befriends Kim, and shows her the ropes. Martin Freeman steals a lot of the scenes he’s in and Billy Bob Thornton shines as well. And Alfred Molina is a huge highlight as an Afghan official who’s got a thing for Kim.

While the performances are strong, “Whiskey” is a bit predictable. And while the main story is about Kim’s internal struggles, the film often feels oddly small for a movie set amidst such epic events. There’s not a ton of action in this movie, but the action that is in the movie is capably captured. The movie has some good moments of humor, and they help the movie be more enjoyable.

”Whiskey Tango Foxtrot” turns out to be much the same as leaving high school or a job you don’t like. There are little things the Kim will miss, but when it’s time to move on, it’s time to move on. As a cinematic experience, “Whiskey” does itself a favor by not dragging on too long, and giving us some stuff to laugh about along the way.

3 Indy Fedoras out of 5

MPAA Rating: R