:Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (film)

{{Infobox film

| name = Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

| image = Whiskey Tango Foxtrot poster.png

| alt =

| caption = Theatrical release poster

| director = {{plainlist|

}}

| producer = {{plainlist|

}}

| writer = Robert Carlock

| based_on = {{Based on |The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan|Kim Barker}}

| starring = {{plainlist|

}}

| music = Nick Urata

| cinematography = Xavier Grobet

| editing = Jan Kovac

| production_companies = {{Plainlist|

}}

| distributor = Paramount Pictures

| released = {{Film date|2016|03|04}}

| runtime = 112 minutes{{cite web | url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/whiskey-tango-foxtrot-film | archive-url=https://archive.today/20160622211852/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/whiskey-tango-foxtrot-film | url-status=dead | archive-date=June 22, 2016 | title=WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT (15) | work=British Board of Film Classification | date=February 26, 2016 | access-date=February 26, 2016}}

| country = United States

| language = English

| budget = $35 million{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=untitledtinafeycomedy.htm |title=Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (2016) |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=May 20, 2016}}

| gross = $25.4 million{{cite web |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot#tab=summary |title=Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (2016) |website=The Numbers |access-date=June 12, 2016}}

}}

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is a 2016 American biographical war comedy-drama film, directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa and written by Robert Carlock. Based on the memoir The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan by Kim Barker, the adaptation's title spells WTF in the military standard NATO phonetic alphabet.

The film stars Tina Fey, Margot Robbie, Martin Freeman, Alfred Molina, and Billy Bob Thornton and was released on March 4, 2016, by Paramount Pictures. It received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the acting but criticized the predictable screenplay and execution, and grossed $24 million against its $35 million budget.

Plot

In 2003 New York City, Kim Baker is a television journalist dissatisfied with the state of her career covering low-profile stories. She decides to take a short assignment as a war correspondent in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom, to the disappointment of her boyfriend Chris, who spends a lot of time traveling.

Assigned to low-budget living quarters with other international journalists, Kim befriends noted BBC correspondent Tanya Vanderpoel and lecherous Scottish freelance photographer Iain MacKelpie. After a period of adjustment, aided by her Afghan "fixer" Fahim Ahmadzai, she begins taking well to the assignment. She elicits frank remarks on camera from soldiers questioning the value of their assignment there and puts herself in harm's way to capture combat incidents on video. American Marine commander General (previously Colonel) Hollanek sees her as an inexperienced nuisance.

Despite the danger, Kim stays in Afghanistan for months, then years, beyond her original assignment. She catches Chris unprepared with a middle-of-the-night video call and finds him with another woman, ending their relationship. Against her better judgment, she begins a sexual relationship with Iain, which develops into a more personal one over time.

Although Kim's status as a woman presents challenges in an Afghan Islamic society that places restrictive roles on women, she also uses it to her advantage. Kim gains access to women in a village who explain that they have been sabotaging the US-built well because they welcome the daily walk to the river away from the men. She also walks a tightrope, taking advantage of the thinly veiled sexual interest of Afghan Attorney General Ali Massoud Sadiq to use him as a source. Fahim – who treated opium addicts before the war – cautions her, pointing out that danger can be like a drug.

Despite their mutual friendliness, Kim competes with other journalists for stories and resources from their employers back home. After three years in Afghanistan, Kim flies to New York to argue for more support from her network's new boss, only to discover that Tanya is slated to take over for her.

Meanwhile, Iain is kidnapped for ransom while traveling cross-country to cover a developing story he had offered to bring Kim in on. She returns "home" to Afghanistan, where she blackmails her "special friend," Ali, for information about Iain's whereabouts, and impresses upon Hollanek the political value to him of rescuing Iain. The mission – accompanied by Kim's cameraman – is a success, militarily and journalistically. However, shortly after Iain's rescue, Kim becomes disillusioned with their tentative relationship and her station. She then bids farewell to her colleagues and Fahim and returns to the U.S. to stay.

After returning, she looks up a Marine who had been transferred, apparently because of his on-camera comments to her, and subsequently lost both of his legs to an IED. She tries to apologize for the consequences of her actions, but he refuses to let her take the blame. She moves on to an on-camera desk job, where she finds herself interviewing Iain, who is going to be in New York soon as part of a tour for his new book, and who invites her to meet him for coffee.

Cast

Tina Fey as Kim Baker, a cable news reporter.
Margot Robbie as Tanya Vanderpoel, a British BBC News TV journalist whom Kim admires and befriends.
Martin Freeman as Iain MacKelpie, Kim's unexpected love interest and a dedicated Scottish photojournalist.
Christopher Abbott as Fahim Ahmadzai, who acts as driver, translator, and all-around handyman for reporters.
Billy Bob Thornton as Colonel later Brigadier General Hollanek, US Marine Corps, a military man who initially scares Kim.
Alfred Molina as Ali Massoud Sadiq, a local official who has a romantic interest in Kim.
Sheila Vand as Shakira El-Khoury, a Lebanese reporter who works alongside Kim and Tanya.
Nicholas Braun as Tall Brian, Kim's cameraman.
Steve Peacocke as Nic, Kim's Canadian alpha male bodyguard with a disguised Australian accent.
Evan Jonigkeit as Lance Corporal Coughlin, a member of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines when Baker is embedded.
Scott TakedaLinda Ge, [https://www.thewrap.com/scott-takeda-joins-tina-fey-and-margot-robbie-in-paramounts-middle-east-comedy-exclusive/ "Scott Takeda Joins Tina Fey and Margot Robbie in Paramount's Middle East Comedy,"] TheWrap, February 13, 2015. as Ed Faber.
Josh Charles{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/tina-feys-untitled-movie-based-on-taliban-shuffle-lands-release-date/|title=Tina Fey's Untitled Movie Based on 'Taliban Shuffle' Lands Release Date|publisher=TheWrap|last=Sneider|first=Jeff|date=November 9, 2015|access-date=November 10, 2015}} as Chris, Kim's boyfriend back in the States.
Cherry Jones as Geri Taub.
Sterling K. Brown as Sergeant Hurd, another member of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines.
Thomas Kretschmann as an airplane passenger.

Production

In February 2014, Tina Fey confirmed that her production company, Little Stranger, would adapt the memoir The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan by Kim Barker of the Chicago Tribune into a film. Fey would star in the lead role in the film, which would be produced by Lorne Michaels and written by Robert Carlock.{{cite news|title=Tina Fey To Star In Middle East War Comedy 'The Taliban Shuffle'|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/20/tina-fey-the-taliban-shuffle_n_4825189.html |access-date=February 20, 2014|work=The Huffington Post|date=February 20, 2014}} On June 30, 2014, Paramount tapped Glenn Ficarra and John Requa to direct the film.{{cite news|last1=Sneider|first1=Jeff|title='Crazy, Stupid, Love' Directors Will Do the 'Taliban Shuffle' With Tina Fey|url=https://www.thewrap.com/crazy-stupid-love-directors-will-do-the-taliban-shuffle-with-tina-fey/|access-date=July 2, 2014|publisher=TheWrap|date=June 30, 2014}} On October 22, 2014, Margot Robbie joined the cast to play a competing reporter alongside Fey's character.{{cite news|last1=Kit|first1=Borys|title=Margot Robbie in Talks to Join Tina Fey in 'Taliban Shuffle'|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/margot-robbie-talks-join-tina-742725|access-date=October 23, 2014|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=October 22, 2014}} On November 20, 2014, Martin Freeman was in talks to play Fey's character's unexpected love interest, a dedicated Scottish photojournalist.{{cite news|last1=Kit|first1=Borys|title='Hobbit' Star Martin Freeman in Talks to Join Tina Fey in 'Taliban Shuffle'|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hobbit-star-martin-freeman-talks-750932|access-date=November 22, 2014|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=November 20, 2014}} On January 10, 2015, it was reported that Nikolaj Coster-Waldau was in talks to join the film for a male lead role, although he did not ultimately star in the film.{{cite news|last1=Douglas|first1=Edward|title=Nikolaj Coster-Waldau May Be Joining Tina Fey's Taliban Shuffle|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/398215-nikolaj-coster-waldau-may-be-joining-tina-feys-taliban-shuffle|access-date=January 11, 2015|publisher=comingsoon.net|date=January 10, 2015}} On February 2, 2015, Christopher Abbott joined the film's cast.{{cite news|last1=Ford|first1=Rebecca|title=Christopher Abbott Joins Tina Fey's Wartime Dark Comedy|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/christopher-abbott-joins-tina-feys-769068|access-date=February 3, 2015|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=February 2, 2015}} On February 3, 2015, Nicholas Braun joined the film to play Tall Brian, Fey's character's cameraman, and the film had the working title Fun House.{{cite news|title=Nicholas Braun Cast In 'Fun House'|url=https://deadline.com/2015/02/nicholas-braun-fun-house-jena-malone-things-you-missed-while-you-were-gone-1201365728/|access-date=February 10, 2015|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=February 3, 2015}} On February 9, 2015, Steve Peacocke was set to star in the film, playing Nic, Fey's character's alpha male bodyguard.{{cite news|last1=Hipes|first1=Patrick|title=Aussie TV Star Steve Peacocke Joins Tina Fey-Margot Robbie Pic|url=https://deadline.com/2015/02/steve-peacocke-taliban-shuffle-casting-tina-fey-margot-robbie-1201369524/|access-date=February 10, 2015|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=February 9, 2015}} On February 11, 2015, confirmed cast was announced, with Billy Bob Thornton, Alfred Molina, Sheila Vand, and Evan Jonigkeit also joining the cast of the film, in which Vand would play Shakira El-Khoury, a Lebanese reporter who works alongside Kim and Tanya.{{cite news|last1=D'Alessandro|first1=Anthony|title=Billy Bob Thornton, Alfred Molina & Sheila Vand Join Tina Fey Paramount Comedy|url=https://deadline.com/2015/02/billy-bob-thornton-alfred-molina-sheila-vand-tina-fey-paramount-comedy-1201371703/|access-date=February 12, 2015|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=February 11, 2015}}{{cite news|last1=Sneider|first1=Jeff|title=Billy Bob Thornton, Alfred Molina Join Tina Fey in Paramount Comedy|url=https://www.thewrap.com/billy-bob-thornton-alfred-molina-join-tina-fey-in-paramount-comedy/|access-date=February 12, 2015|publisher=TheWrap|date=February 11, 2015}}

Fey confirmed that the film's title would be Whiskey Tango Foxtrot in an interview with USA Today. Kim Barker was changed to a cable news reporter named "Baker".{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2015/11/26/tina-fey-whiskey-tango-foxtrot-exclusive-sneak-peek/76330484/|title=Sneak peek: Tina Fey goes to war in 'Whiskey Tango Foxtrot'|work=USA Today|last=Truitt|first=Brian|date=November 26, 2015|access-date=November 27, 2015}}

=Filming=

On February 3, 2015, the Albuquerque Journal reported that filming was underway in Santa Fe, New Mexico.{{cite news|last1=Jadrnak|first1=Jackie|title=Talk to us, Tina! Tell us your Santa Fe adventures!|url=http://www.abqjournal.com/536047/north/out-about/talk-to-us-tina-tell-us-your-santa-fe-adventures.html|access-date=February 11, 2015|work=Albuquerque Journal|date=February 3, 2015}} Fey was spotted filming in the Santa Fe University of Art and Design.{{cite news|title=Tina Fey begins filming 'Taliban Shuffle' in Santa Fe, NM|url=http://www.onlocationvacations.com/2015/02/10/tina-fey-begins-filming-taliban-shuffle-in-santa-fe-nm/|access-date=February 11, 2015|publisher=onlocationvacations.com|date=February 10, 2015}} On February 11, 2015, Paramount also confirmed that principal photography had commenced on the film in New Mexico.{{cite news|title=Filming Starts for the Taliban Shuffle Adaptation, Starring Tina Fey|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/408973-filming-starts-for-the-taliban-shuffle-adaptation-starring-tina-fey|access-date=February 12, 2015|publisher=comingsoon.net|date=February 11, 2015}} It was filmed in part at the historic Scottish Rite Temple in Santa Fe.Film credits of Whiskey Tango Foxtrot: "Filmed on location in Albuquerque, New Mexico / Santa Fe City and County, New Mexico / The Pueblo of Laguna, New Mexico / By Special Permission of the Pueblo of Laguna / Santa Fe Scottish Rite Temple / New Mexico Corrections Department / Atlas Mountains, Morocco" Production on the film concluded on April 10, 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.ssninsider.com/on-the-set-for-41315-margot-robbie-wraps-on-fun-house-starts-suicide-squad-dave-franco-begins-ya-adaptation-nerve/|title=On the Set for 4/13/15: Margot Robbie Wraps on 'Fun House' & Starts 'Suicide Squad', Dave Franco Begins YA Adaptation 'Nerve'|publisher=SSNInsider.com|date=April 13, 2015|access-date=January 10, 2016}}

=Release=

The film was originally titled The Taliban Shuffle and Fun House, before settling on Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. It was released on March 4, 2016.{{cite web |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movie/whiskey-tango-foxtrot-2016#/slide/1 |title=Whiskey Tango Foxtrot |publisher=ComingSoon.net |access-date=March 16, 2016}} At the beginning of the rolling credits is a dedication to Fey's father, Donald Henry Fey, who died in 2015.

=Home media=

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot was released on DVD and Blu-ray on June 28, 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160516005331/en/Tina-Fey-Finest-Smart-Satirical-Comedy-%E2%80%93|title=Tina Fey is at Her Finest in the Smart, Satirical Comedy – WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT – Arriving on Digital HD June 14, 2016 and on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack June 28|date=May 16, 2016|work=www.businesswire.com|access-date=May 8, 2020}}

Reception

=Box office=

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot grossed $23.1 million in North America and $1.8 million in other territories for a total of $24.9 million worldwide, against a production budget of $35 million.

In the United States and Canada, pre-release tracking suggested the film would gross $10–12 million from 2,374 theaters in its opening weekend, trailing fellow newcomers Zootopia ($60–70 million projection) and London Has Fallen ($20–23 million projection).{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/03/zootopia-london-has-fallen-box-office-preview-whiskey-tango-foxtrot-deadpool-1201712794/ |title=Disney Unleashed: 'Zootopia' Toon Expected To Roar Past $60M – Weekend Preview |website=Deadline Hollywood|date=2 March 2016 }} The film ended up grossing $7.6 million in its opening weekend, finishing below expectations and 4th at the box office.

=Critical response=

On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 68% based on 209 reviews, with an average rating of 6.33/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "While WTF is far from FUBAR, Tina Fey and Martin Freeman are just barely enough to overcome the picture's glib predictability and limited worldview."{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/whiskey_tango_foxtrot/|title=Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (2016)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|publisher=Fandango Media|access-date=May 7, 2020}} Metacritic gives the film a weighted average score of 57 out of 100, based on 44 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/whiskey-tango-foxtrot |title=Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Reviews |work=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=April 7, 2016}} Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B" on an A+ to F scale.{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/cinemascore/status/706019028377198592 |title=Whiskey Tango Foxtrot |author=CinemaScore |date=March 4, 2016 |via=Twitter |access-date=April 9, 2017 }}{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2016/03/weekend-box-office-zootopia-london-has-fallen-whiskey-tango-foxtrot-1201714373/ |title='Zootopia' $73.7M Opening Sets Record For Original Disney Toon; 'London' Raises $21.7M; 'Whiskey' Trips |first=Anthony |last=D'Alessandro |date=March 7, 2016 |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=July 21, 2022 }}