Three Kings (1999):

Starring:

George Clooney - Archie Gates

Mark Wahlberg - Troy Barlow

Ice Cube - Chief Elgin

Spike Jonze - Conrad Vig

Cliff Curtis - Amir Abdulah

Nora Dunn - Adriana Cruz

Jamie Kennedy - Walter Wogaman

Said Taghmaoui - Captain Said

Mykelti Williamson - Colonel Horn

Holt McCallany - Captain Van Meter

Judy Greer - Cathy Daitch

Director:

David O. Russell (The Fighter; I Heart Huckabees)

Rotten Tomatoes: 94%

Flixster: 70%

Synopsis:

The Gulf War is over, and three soldiers want to go home rich. Major Archie Gates retires in two weeks. Sergeant Troy Barlow is a new father. Chief Elgin is on a four-month paid vacation from Detroit. Saddam Hussein stole a great deal of gold from Kuwait, and these soldiers have no problem with stealing it from him. But on their way to collect their booty, they bear witness to the the disturbing results of the war effort. President Bush has encouraged Iraqi citizens to fight back against Saddam and pledged to support them, but when they rise up, they get NO American support, and they're getting slaughtered. As the soldiers realize the true situation in Iraq, they're confronted with their own humanity, and they're forced to rethink who they are and what they're doing.

Review:

Totally underrated movie. For both it's comedic aspects & it's awesome storyline. I do not know of a lot of people who have actually seen it however, which is a shame. You have powerhouse actors George Clooney & Mark Wahlberg, you have the comedic relief of Jamie Kennedy & an awesome first major role from Spike Jonze. On top of that you have an exceptionally unique style of directing brought by David O. Russell. As a war movie, there is nothing special about it. Since it is set at the very tail end of the Gulf War, you do not get a whole lot of action. You get a few scenes of standoff between Iraqi Guard & American soldiers, but nothing to constitute being warfare. A few fist fights thrown in makes this a lack luster war movie, so if you're looking for tactics, killing & all that, WRONG PLACE. However their is more than enough action throughout the film, so don't worry. Between exploding cows, oil trucks full of milk & several military vehicles it is really entertaining. The plot is very creative & unique. You have the four soldiers (Clooney, Wahlberg, Cube & Jonze) tracking down the stolen Kuwaiti gold stolen by Saddam Hussein, along the way they meet up with an Iraqi military captive who is somewhat of a folk hero to his people, played by a personal favourite character actor of mine Cliff Curtis. Who is of aboriginal New Zealand heritage but for whatever reason can be cast as apparently almost any & ever ethnicity on the planet. The film has a wide range soundtrack that features a lot of the early 90's best hits mixed in with a few classics. A very small cameo made by comedian Jim Gaffigan in his early days listed under "Cuts Troy's Cuffs Soldier". An outstanding performance by Nora Dunn. Super funny, very witty & clever.

 90%

Lead Acting: 14/15
Supporting Cast: 12/15

Plot: 10/10
Compared To The Genre: 9/10

Cinematography: 18/20

Intrigue: 18/20

Extra: 9/10