Dirty Wars - B+

Unrated, 87 minutes

"Dirty Wars" a riveting documentary on the U.S. military presence on foreign soil

Journalist Jeremy Scahill

Investigate journalist Jeremy Scahill turns his compelling book "Dirty Wars: The World is a Battlefield" into a stirring, relevant documentary on the presence the U.S. military has taken in other countries. Scahill, a journalist for The Nation magazine, take a bold look at our military policies in nations such as Yemen, Afghanistan and Somalia, and how those policies aren't serving their intended purpose. "Dirty Wars" is part detective work, part political thriller that's gritty, complex and difficult to understand but also a fascinating, searing portrait that gives a different look at the flawed U.S. military policies designed to promote democracy and freedom. Scahill is best out in the field searching for answers, and he literally puts his life on the line in dangerous places such as Somalia (the intensely scared look on Scahill's face tells it all in one particularly gritty section involving a load of gunfire) to show that our military policies aren't as successful as made out to be. Some viewers may be lost on all the jargon the journalist, who also narrates (the film is well directed by filmmaker Richard Rowley) throws out, and as a result the film occasionally becomes a tad heavy handed. Still, overall "Dirty Wars," an independently financed and produced documentary, is an intense, gripping and often fascinating look at an story that deserves more attention.

Wes's Grade: B+