Team America: World Police, often referred to as simply Team America, is a 2004 action comedy film written by Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Pam Brady and directed by Parker, all of whom are also known for the popular animated series South Park. The film is a satire of big-budget action films and their associated clichés and stereotypes, with particular humorous emphasis on the global implications of US politics. The title of the film itself is derived from domestic and international political criticisms that the U.S. frequently and unilaterally tries to "police the world". The film features a cast composed of marionettes. Team America focuses on a fictional team of political paramilitary policemen known as "Team America: World Police", who attempt to save the world from a violent terrorist plot led by Kim Jong-il.

The film was primarily inspired by Thunderbirds, a popular British TV show created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson which also featured an all-marionette cast, though Stone and Parker were not fans of the show. The duo worked on the script with former South Park writer Pam Brady for nearly two years. The film had a troubled time in production, with various problems regarding the marionettes as well as the scheduling extremes of having the film come out in time. In addition, the filmmakers fought with the Motion Picture Association of America, who returned the film over nine times with an NC-17 rating. The film was recut by a few seconds and rated R. This was not unlike the ratings battles for South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut.

The film was released in the United States on October 15, 2004 and received generally positive reviews. Team America grossed over $51 million worldwide. The film was released on DVD in the United States on May 17, 2005, available in both R-rated and Unrated versions.

What a stupid concept. A movie starring puppets is supposed to sell to the public? The creators of South Park bring us a movie, criticizing the United States government, making fun of certain terrorist organizations and world leaders, and they want to do all this... with puppets. But, it turns out that I don't remember the last time I laughed so hard and so much. I was shocked that for the first time in a movie theater, I fell to the floor, laughing. I didn't feel stupid, for everyone was right down there with me. That is how funny this movie is. Does it stereotype? Yes, but in the funniest way. I never imagined it to be so funny, and it was even funnier that a lot of things in the movie are true.

There's really not much to explain on the plot. It's about a team of elite officers who take on the world's terrorists. But, the rest of the world is against them, saying that they cause more trouble than solve. The main terrorists the movie focuses on are the Islamic, fundamentalist terrorists such as Osama Bin Ladin, and Kim Jong Il, an evil, North Korean dictator. One of the funny parts about this movie is how they just use "jibberish" for the terrorists. Obviously, they don't know how to speak the language, so they just make up words. In the story, the team needs the help of a famous actor, Gary Johnston, to stop the terrorists of the world, using his acting skills. The movie makes a lot of reference to how the real movie stars of the world try to get involved in world issues and try to help. No one is safe in this movie. If your name is mentioned in this movie, you are basically being humiliated. They go from the known terrorists (Bin Ladin, Kim Jong) to the famous movie stars (Alec Baldwin, Samuel L. Jackson, etc.), and even go as far as Michael Moore. All these people are trashed in the movie, and truthfully, Trey Parker does an excellent job of doing it.

Aside from the references to real life things, it's hilarious just to see the puppets. The stars of the movie are freaking puppets, and if you can't enjoy that, you probably will not enjoy the movie. You'll laugh when they walk, you'll laugh when they talk (or sing), you'll laugh when they do anything. I enjoyed how the strings were so visible, for it added the humor to the movie. Also, the music used in this movie is "laugh out loud" hilarious. Some songs, though not appropriate, will have you laughing in the aisles of your theater. Just to show my point, the names of some of the songs are "AIDS", "Pearl Harbor Sucks", "America, F*** Yeah!", and many more entertaining songs.

The one thing about this movie that must be mentioned is the sex scene. That's right, a sex scene in a movie starring puppets. This movie was originally NC-17, and the sex scene had to be edited just to get an R-rating, but don't think that it's not inappropriate. It crosses every line you would expect from movies like American Pie, and then some. It's insanely hilarious how they executed this scene, as well as many other situations in the movie.

Here is my warning to anyone interested in seeing this movie. Do you have young kids, and are you considering taking them to this movie? Well, think no further, because the answer should be no. Though it's a type of movie that is meant for all ages, it's very inappropriate. When I saw this movie, I was shocked to see many kids under the age of 12 sitting in that theater with their parents. If you don't really care what your kids see, that's fine. But, I would think twice before letting anyone under the age of 13 see this movie. Also, I'd like to point out that although it does stereotype the terrorists and a certain kind of people, it's all fun. You should not judge people of a certain religion or someone from a certain country that is portrayed in this movie, because not everyone of a different skin color or from a third-world country is a terrorist.

This was the funniest movie I've seen this year. It is the perfect movie for people who want to laugh, and trust me, you won't stop laughing. There is not a single moment where I wasn't laughing in this movie, and it's really unforgettable. It's definently not for everyone, though. If you're thinking that this movie looks bad, or looks stupid, go with your instincts. Not everyone can enjoy a movie starring puppets. It was the most fun I've had at a theater this year, and an instant cult classic in my book.

How was the puppet sex scene? any puppet boobies? :x

Yup, the whole thing.

AMERICA !! F YEA !!

best .. song ... ever!

looks like a lot of people like this film, I really want to see it, but ofcourse it had to be rated R.

How old are you? I'm 15.

Although there were a couple times when there were stretches of unfunny parts, the funny parts more than made up for it. I enjoyed the star wars references, michael moore, and my favorite character is either Spottswoode or Kim Jong Il. They both had some of the best lines.

"A flying limo. Now I've seen everything"
"Really, have you seen a man eat his own head?"
"No"
"Well, then you haven't seen everything. And neither have we."

There was not a single song in this movie that wasnt priceless!!

The end credits song about Alec Baldwin was pretty horrible.

I did love the Montage song though.

Where'd you find tht pic, loyal? That shot wasn't in the final cut...

Ah yes, the legendary missing sex scenes. I heard there was a great golden shower scene as well.

http://www.craptv.com/coop/TossinSalad.mov

The end credits song about Alec Baldwin was pretty horrible.

I did love the Montage song though.