This political thriller is pretty much the last word on the whole Gulf War shambles. Along with that, it also manages to be frequently funny, tragic and exciting. Personally, the only movies I've seen that have dealt with the Gulf War have been superficial "action man" stuff, boring and predictable. This movie takes a simple gun battle and shoots it in a way that makes it unique and totally original. We watch the bullets fly in slow motion to their victims, a bullet's p.o.v. shot if you will. Back when I first saw this over a decade ago, it made me sit up and go "wow!". Nowadays such stylistic tricks are passe, but it was still hip and fresh when they made this film.
As was the case with THE LIMEY, the weird style of the film takes some getting used to, but once I was settled in I enjoyed this immensely. What starts off as a predictable treasure hunt becomes something much more, an intelligent film which isn't afraid to portray America in a bad light, and something with real characters who you care about.
George Clooney has just the right looks and easy, leading man personality to carry the film if needed. Mark Wahlberg (a hot property thanks to BOOGIE NIGHTS) is solid in a victimised role. Elsewhere, Ice Cube puts in a good turn as a god-fearing soldier, while Spike Jonze is funny and endearing as a backwoods hick.
THREE KINGS offers up just the right balance of humour, pathos and action to make it a film for all the family. While it may be occasionally explicitly violent (the shooting of a female refugee is particularly shocking), this is in reality a film which appeals AGAINST violence. With a great story and script like this, it couldn't really lose in any case. It may not be one of the best films of 1999 (in itself a great year for good movies) but it comes pretty close.
As was the case with THE LIMEY, the weird style of the film takes some getting used to, but once I was settled in I enjoyed this immensely. What starts off as a predictable treasure hunt becomes something much more, an intelligent film which isn't afraid to portray America in a bad light, and something with real characters who you care about.
George Clooney has just the right looks and easy, leading man personality to carry the film if needed. Mark Wahlberg (a hot property thanks to BOOGIE NIGHTS) is solid in a victimised role. Elsewhere, Ice Cube puts in a good turn as a god-fearing soldier, while Spike Jonze is funny and endearing as a backwoods hick.
THREE KINGS offers up just the right balance of humour, pathos and action to make it a film for all the family. While it may be occasionally explicitly violent (the shooting of a female refugee is particularly shocking), this is in reality a film which appeals AGAINST violence. With a great story and script like this, it couldn't really lose in any case. It may not be one of the best films of 1999 (in itself a great year for good movies) but it comes pretty close.