In the Loop might be best described as The Office meets Wag the Dog. Certainly, it features the witty word play and stylistic approach of the former while showcasing the biting, political satire of the latter.

This richly complex (and timely) comedy paints an intricate view of the conflict in the Middle East from both sides of the political coin. In the Loop features a stellar ensemble cast including; Tom Hollander, Mimi Kennedy, Paul Higgins, Steve Coogan, Olivia Poulet, Chris Addison, David Rasch, and Anna Chlumsky (of My Girl fame–she's all growns up). The performances are perfect right across the board, but the standouts are Peter Capaldi as a cocksure Scotsman with a foul mouth (seriously, I could listen to this guy drop f-bombs and insult his colleagues for days–HILARIOUS!), and James Gandolfini as a military man you don't want to mess with. The inevitable confrontation between Gandolfini and Capaldi is a highlight in a film overflowing with highlights.

Co-writer and director Armando Lannucci and screenwriters Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Ian Martin, and Tony Roche have fashioned a clever bit of highly energized political satire that doesn't sit still for a second. There isn't a moment when a character isn't say something hilarious or doing something completely off the wall. True, In the Loop has an improvisational feel akin to a Christopher Guest movie, but there's a bit more structure here.

In the Loop is an eye opening film. Its provocative to be sure, but for the most part, its goal is to make you laugh. Mission accomplished. In fact, dare I say this movie probably made me laugh harder than any other picture this year, and that includes the sleeper hit The Hangover.

Grade: B+