Under the direction of Peter Berg [Friday Night Lights], The Kingdom is a frenzied, chaotic and exciting film. While not as provocative or entertaining as Charlie Wilson’s War, The Kingdom espouses its ideology in a fast-paced action format. Better for the masses this way. Bad, mean Arabs vs. good, kind Americans. In these times, anything with Arabs getting shot is a bonus for filmgoers.
There’s a bombing on an American compound in Saudi Arabia. The FBI does not want to investigate. The FBI wants to let it go and let the Saudis handle it. But a few rogue agents want to avenge the death of a close friend. Led by obsessive, all-American Ronald Fleury [Jamie Foxx], an elite few travel to the Middle East for the covert mission. He recruits tough gal Janet Mayes [Jennifer Garner] who finds she doesn’t appreciate the sexist nature of the Middle East. This role cannot be much of a challenge for Garner, comfortable in the realm of warfare and kicking ass [Alias minus the cool wigs and outfits and accent]. There’s also the wisecracking numbers guy Adam Leavitt [played by the charming Jason Bateman, who since Arrested Development has mastered the low-key sarcasm—see also Juno] and Grant Sykes [Chris Cooper] brings brains and wisdom that comes with years of experience to the unit. These types of films are bound to make one think about [in no particular order]: oil; the Saudi Arabia/U.S. alliance; hatred and misunderstanding for other cultures; and most upsetting, training and teaching Middle Eastern youth to despise the United States and Western ideologies. Good vs. evil always plays out well for action films. And I’m pretty sure, that’s what most will see. Nothing more profound than that.
Extras: Behind the scenes on special “wow” scenes such as a car chase and the final heart-pounding confrontation as well as commentary from the major players.
STEELE RECOMMENDATION: SEE IT; NO NEED FOR PLACEMENT AT TOP OF YOUR QUEUE.
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