A wonderfully entertaining movie that almost defies description, Three Kings respects and thrills its audience at the same time. It's a great example of how to make a movie with a message, and how to properly get it across successfully. Simultaneously funny, tragic and inspiring and definitely worthy of your cinema dollar.

Why should anyone expect a Hollywood movie about The Gulf War in Iraq to be exciting, intelligent, thought provoking, or even entertaining? The answer lies with the decisions made by director David O. Russell (Spanking the Monkey, Flirting with Disaster) and his decision to let the arc of the characters tell the story, as opposed to preaching or heavy-handed imagery. His latest film, Three Kings, is a wonderful example of how Hollywood money can be spent, if the accent is on quality. It’s a worthwhile parable masquerading as an old- fashioned adventure movie, with liberal doses of humor and emotion, and it works brilliantly.

George Clooney, Ice Cube, Mark Wahlberg and Spike Jonze (in the surprise performance of this year) portray soldiers anxiously (and joyously) awaiting the end of Operation Desert Storm. When a map is uncovered (in a rather funny scene), they embark on what seems to be your typical treasure hunt.

It seems that a rather large amount of gold, stolen by Saddam Hussein from Kuwait, is being stored somewhat close by. Obviously their plan to make a quick getaway gets ruined at almost every turn. On the surface, the action sequences and macho bravado that are trademarks of this genre are quite prevalent, albeit done in a quite original fashion. Underneath, however, there are tough questions of patriotism, bravery and simple morality. As this is a film that respects its audience, there are no easy answers offered. How is it that Americans will support these oppressed citizens, yet desert them when their assistance is needed most?

Although this exhilarating movie poses many intelligent questions, it does not get caught up in its own messages. The filmmakers’ first priority is to entertain, but they have a message they want to impart, and the best way to make a point is to make the story exciting. Such a brilliant concept, you’d think other Hollywood producers would get the hint, but they don’t, which is why finding such a wonderful film like Three Kings is cause for movie fans to rejoice.

George Clooney adds another strong performance after his role in Out of Sight, and he has quality support from the rest of the cast. Mark Wahlberg may finally earn some respect with yet another humane and understated depiction of a normal guy who gets caught up in things he can’t control, and Ice Cube stands out as well in what could have simply been a sidekick role.

One great surprise is the appearance of director Spike Jonze (Being John Malkovich) as a not-too-bright private who comes along for the ride. Initially, he seems content to just play the comic relief role, but his character is eventually broadened and the film gets better for it. Mykelti Williamson and Nora Dunn also deliver outstanding supporting performances in small, but integral roles.

Technically, this film could not look better. David O. Russell pulls out all his tricks, and a few of them are dazzling. While many of the standout scenes are of course action sequences, there are many ‘smaller’ scenes done seemingly with 8mm, distorted visions and bizarre camera angles.

A particular standout is a rather visceral depiction how a bullet can infect ones bloodstream. There’s also a scene in which Wahlberg’s character is tied to a chair (don’t want to give anything away, of course) that has some of the finest dialogue I’ve heard in a while. But Russell doesn’t linger too long in any one place. It’s a kinetic film, and this also helps to grab and keep the audience’s attention.

Three Kings is a vastly appreciated offering that proves you can sometimes combine big, fancy explosions with a script that complements them. The sudden outbursts of violence never seem tacked-on or overdone. They are depicted matter-of-factly, with no swaggering or throwaway catch phrases, and there are plenty of opportunities. You also have to appreciate a film that dares to question the authority of the United States Military without pulling any punches, especially considering how recent this event stands in our collective memory.




Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday evening