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Adam R. Holz (Plugged In) says, "Just when you think this is (only) a gut-wrenching character study, a heavy-handed twist at the end goes for a political knockout punch. … Lord of War, then, is a provocative film apparently designed to challenge our assumptions about the U.S.'s role in the world. It is also addicted to graphic depictions of violence, drug abuse, and sexuality. And that forces me to ask these questions: Are its hyper-grim images necessary?"

While the film took third at the box office this week, it is earning mixed reviews from mainstream critics.

Andrew Coffin (World) opens fire. "Trailers often dumb down a movie so that it can be sold in 60 seconds. In the case of Lord of War (rated R for strong violence, drug use, language, and sexuality), the trailers promise something the film never delivers. What appears to be a biting look at gun culture and global violence has little more to offer than this: Arms dealers are sleazy and bad, and—get this—the United States is worse."

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