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Overlooked Brilliant and Entertaining Social Commentary!!! "Team America's" brilliance was largely overlooked when it hit theatres last fall, which is somewhat ironic considering that pre-election political controversy turned Michael Moore's similarly themed, but farmore one-sided documentary into a $100 million-plus hit just months earlier. "Team America" is an equal opportunity offender. Scewering everything from republicans to democrats, Hollywood to outspoken, but poorly informed know-it-all, know-nothing movie stars (hey, who asked you?), and bad movies to big-budget bad movies; "Team America" lets no one off easy. Did I mention the whole thing is done with puppets? If I had you on the hook and hearing that made you forget all the good things I just said, and you are now suddenly asking yourself just how smart and topical an action flick staring all puppets can be, you are probably not alone. This skepticism is no doubt what kept people away from this movie in theatres. Its a grown up movie in kids' clothing. The marketing was probably to blame, but how do you market a puppet movie to grown ups? Their loss. The fact is this movie wouldn't have been successful had it been done with actors. Sure, the script would still rank with the best of the year, but I don't think any real actor could pull any of this off. The movie's charm lies in watching these string-controled, walking (kind of) and talking (not to mention screwing and killing) parodies of overly macho movie action heros, preachy celebs and opportunistic politicians. If it wasn't going to be a cartoon, it had to be puppets. Not to mention some moments are just so outlandish and over the top that an actor, not only would never be capable of doing any of this, but would never be as funny doing it (example: the puppets attempting to point at things or touch one another... God, I'm laughing just thinking about it). This is really a retread of sorts for creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, since their fans will recognize almost everything here from the humor, to the voices, to the social commentary is all ala "South Park." But just as "South Park" continues to evolve into something much better and smarter than the one-note joke of vulgar cartoon kids it began as, "Team America" takes the duo to a far-higher creative level; both in terms of their skill as film makers (some shots are truly breath-taking and well staged; the how-did-they-do-that(with puppets, nonetheless) factor in this movie is huge) and their genius as writers and comics. Much of this has to be seen (and heard) to be believed. Even the songs, as in the "South Park" movie, despite their sometimes vile and vulgar lyrics, can rival anything in a "real" musical. ("Montage," although previously featured on "South Park," is a perfect example of the duos writing skills and observational and sarcastic humor. It's not the funniest or most profane song of the film, but it sums up these guys perfectly. "America, F--k Yeah!" perhaps sums up the movie's attitude best: sarcastic and critical, yet humorous and light-hearted) Everyone who wrote this movie off as childish and dumb based on the previews is missing out on something much smarter than they could possibly predict, especially if you've been looking for something that calls out all the politicians, soap-boxing celebs who think because they make movies or music the world cares to hear what they have to say (they have the same info. we do, read the same newspapers, what makes them more educated on matters of church and state?), and makers of crapy but expensive movies all at once. It doesn't take sides, it just tells it like it is. Many will be offended one moment and be nodding in agreement the next. And don't get me wrong, "Team America" is not preachy or too serious. It is a comedy. A satire. And an action flick. It is just one that happens to include scenes in which Michael Moore is exploded, two characters run through every sexual position imaginable, and the hero pukes for what feels like five straight minutes. But they can do that because they are puppets. This cult-film-in-waiting will do gangbuster business on DVD. And the idea of an unrated version with extras and creator comentary has fans salivating. "Team America" is hands-down the funniest and smartest movie of the year. It is also a guaranteed pleasent surprise for anyone doubting just how great a puppet movie can be. (*** Just a quick comment for reviewer J. Harris - I stand corrected. I guess it was worded confusingly. just a helpful suggestion.****)