Special Correspondents

Synopsis

In the 2016 comedy film Special Correspondents, Ricky Gervais stars as Frank Bonneville, a cynical and down-on-his-luck radio journalist. Set in New York City, the story follows Frank and his intrepid sound engineer, Ian (played by Eric Bana), as they fabricate war reports from their comfortable, safe haven in a local café instead of the battlefield. When their deception spirals out of control, they are unwittingly pulled into an absurd adventure filled with miscommunication, misunderstandings, and the hustle of trying to keep their story alive. With Gervais's classic wit and humor, the film exploring themes of truth, integrity, and the media landscape draws viewers into a humorous yet critical narrative about modern journalism. It’s a satirical take on the lengths people might go to retain their jobs and the absurdities of the media, all intertwined with the duo's comedic blunders and touching moments of friendship.

Cast

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  Ricky Gervais

  Albert Finch

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  Eric Bana

  Frank Bonneville

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  Vera Farmiga

  Eleanor Finch

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  Kelly Macdonald

  Claire Maddox

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  Benjamin Bratt

  John Baker

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  Raúl Castillo

  Domingo

Reviews

The reception of Special Correspondents has been mixed, with critics divided in their opinions on its execution. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a disappointing 16% approval rating, indicating widespread discontent among reviewers. The critics at The Guardian noted that the film, 'despite its promising premise, fails to deliver the satirical punch needed to make it truly engaging.' Meanwhile, Metacritic reflects a similar sentiment with a score of 36/100, suggesting generally unfavorable reviews. However, there are glimpses of appreciation for the performances, particularly Gervais's comedic timing. IMDb users rated it at 5.9/10, showing some viewers found entertainment value in its humor and narrative despite the evident flaws. ‘Some moments shine,’ wrote a reviewer on Collider, ‘but they get lost in a sea of mediocre gags and clichés.’ Overall, while 'Special Correspondents' attempts to tackle important themes within a comedic framework, many believe it falls short of the mark, struggling to balance its satirical elements with engaging storytelling.