Welcome to Turaqistan, a “fictional” war torn country occupied by Tamerlane, a greedy American corporation owned by the former Vice President of the United States (Dan Aykroyd). Privatized military action, corporate greed, the hostile take over of a Middle Eastern country. Hmmm, sound familiar?

It’s all at the center of the fiercely funny political satire War Inc., produced and co-written by John Cusack, who also stars. Inspired by the events following 9/11, Cusack teamed up with screenwriter Jeremy Pikser (Bulworth, Reds), a master of political commentary within a palatable shell, and absurdist novelist Mark Leyner (The Tetherballs of Bougainville). Their ensuing concoction is one of the best satires of our time – a lampoon so funny it leaves you gasping but with a subtext that forces you to think, discuss and question current events for days after leaving the theater.

Cusack stars as Brand Hauser, a contract killer sent to Turaqistan on a hit. As he struggles with his own demons, held at bay by shots of hot sauce and OnStar-esque guidance voiced by talk show host Montel Williams, he must pose as a Tamerlane Trade Show Producer, organizing the high-profile wedding of Yonica Babyyeah (Hilary Duff sending up her pop star roots) while trying to win over a cynical left wing reporter out for an expose (Marisa Tomei).

Joan Cusack appears as Brand’s assistant, a role which again solidifies her as one of cinema’s greatest comediennes. Her time on screen is unforgettable and hysterically funny.

War Inc. is a brilliant dark comedy where journalism is a ride on Star Tours, people are murdered and no one even notices and a kick line of amputees is considered PC. We’re forced to wonder: are we laughing because it’s funny or because it’s true?

Grade: A

War, Inc. is currently in theaters.