Terrorists (2004)

Terrorists is a consistently droll, even quietly hilarious spoof on our present-day culture of terror alerts, racial profiling, blind "patriotism," hysteria, and wild goose chases. I love this movie! It's a low-budget independent film but that's not a problem since we're not talking Eagle Eye or Enemy of the State here. The acting is understated, sure, but it's fine. The soundtrack relies on whimsical and even tongue-in-cheek jazz. (Don't listen to the naysayer who said "an 8-year-old with a Casio" keyboard could have done better -- or the terrorists win.) Jason Mantzoukas is a vaguely Middle-Eastern (and possibly Ivy League) graduate student come to the midwestern small town of Junction to authenticate and study an obscure kitsch artist's lost work -- and the town's eminent landmark statue, "the world's largest stool." (Double entendres abound.) Also from the Upright Citizens Brigade comedy troupe, Ian Roberts plays Chief of Police Curtis Gorfurter, a frustrated fortysomething who jumps at the chance to extend a tenuous conspiracy theory into a skein of counterterrorism alerts (purple, salmon, brick, and tangerine), respect and awe (and doughnuts), and a dogged manhunt. ("It is vital to remain calm during this time of extreme panic.") Bobby Tisdale is the mayor's slacker son who is cheated from winning a music competition with a Lee Greenwoodesque patriotic song before turning to the dark side. ("Read the Freedom Act. You have no rights!") Jessica St. Claire is superb as the Stockholm Syndrome "hostage" during this utter hoot of a wild goose chase. Call this one If You Give A Cop A Doughnut... I like it as much as Get Smart! 4.5 stars.