Directed by Fouad Mikati
Starring: Zach Galifianakis, Rob Corddry, Ellen Barkin, Bob Odenkirk, Adam Scott
If you notice some of the names involved with Operation Endgame, such as Zach Galifianakis, Rob Corddry, Bob Odenkirk, and Adam Scott, you get your hopes set pretty high. That is lots of funny people all in one movie, right? So, is Operation Endgame worth your time?
The Movie
Operation: Endgame begins on the inauguration day of President Barack Obama. Eric Allen Gaines (Joe Anderson) is reporting for his first day of work in a top secret U.S. government defense agency called Omega. This agency’s goal is to facilitate peace during various global affairs. However, things are about to change for all of the employees of this secretive group of government employees.
There is another top secret team that operates in the shadows. It is called Alpha and was started by Lyndon B. Johnson. Both the members of Alpha and Omega adopt names of tarot cards, to protect their identities and just to sound cool too, I guess. Since Eric is the new guy in the group, he gets the moniker “The Fool”. The boss that watches over Alpha and Omega is “The Devil” (Jeffery Tambor). He is mild mannered and wouldn’t seem like the kind of guy to have any enemies. However, soon arriving at work on this chilly January day, he is killed before the morning meeting can commence.
Just as the teams are dealing with this piece of devastating news, they soon discover that someone has intiated Project Endgame. What is Project Endgame, you ask? It is an “exit” sequence that will activate a bomb to wipe out the agency’s employees, who just so happen to be locked in without a way to leave.
And you think you have had stressful days in the office, huh?
So, this sets the plot of Operation Endgame into motion. Alpha and Omega are going to team up, figure out what happened to “The Devil”, figure out what’s the deal with the new guy, try to escape “Project Endgame” and along the way, figure out who has double-crossed who, who has lie and possibly find time for some ice cold revenge along the way.
Operation: Endgame is mostly comedy with a splash of government conspiracy and intrigue thrown in for flavor. I wish I could say that it works on all levels, but it doesn’t really.
Rob Corddry and Zach Galifianakis bring their special brand of humor to the table and do a lot to provide laughs throughout. Ellen Barkin seems to be having fun skewering her image as a sexy “cougar”. Ving Rhames has some great lines and great delivery of said lines.
But somehow the whole thing doesn’t “gel” together and I found myself getting anxious for the film to end about half way through. That fact made me really sad considering the great talent assembled for this endeavor.
Through research I learned that the film had some trouble finding distribution after its debut at American Film Market. It isn’t surprising. The film has problems but the cast isn’t it. The cast is first rate. So, I guess one could blame the writers and the director for what transpired.
So, this one doesn’t have to take up space in the movie library. It’s really not even mandatory to add this to your Netflix queue unless you have to see every Corddry or Galifianakis film committed to film. I leave the final decision to you, faithful readers.
5/10
Video
The film is presented in anamorphic widescreen. The overall transfer is first rate with respectable black levels and vibrant colors. I did not notice any instances of grain or artifacts.
7/10
The Audio
The film is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1. The dialogue is crystal clear and well mixed. You will have no trouble hearing every word.
7/10
The Packaging and Bonus Features
The film is presented in a standard amaray case with artwork appropriate for the film presented.
There are a few bonus features to explore on this release. First up, a standard making of featurette is presented entitled “Behind the Scenes of Operation: Endgame”.
An alternate opening is offered as well as an alternate ending.
Rounding things out is a collection of trailers.
4/10
Overall (Not an Average) 5/10
The Review
The Movie 5/10
The Video 7/10
The Audio 7/10
The Packaging and Bonus Features 4/10
Overall (not an average ) 5/10