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The Kingdom
In theaters September 28th 2007
Intense sequences of graphic brutal violence,
and for language
Run Time: 110 min
Matt's rating - 5 out of 5
Cindy's rating - 4 out of 5
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Review by Matt Mungle
The Kingdom brings redemption to what has
been a mediocre, post summer theater
experience. Relatively new Director Peter
Berg created a movie that is as hot and
gritty as the Saudi Desert. This is not
another over the top action flick trying to
hide the lack of script behind an onslaught
of pyrotechnics. The Kingdom is easily one of
the best written action thrillers in years.
It is a mind stirring plot combining
suspense, heart pounding action and relevant
story line that drives this film. It doesn't
tell its tale from an Ivory Tower but smacks
you in the face with stylistic realism.
The story revolves around a terrorist attack
on an American occupied section of Saudi
Arabia. An FBI team goes in to try and
investigate the attack only to bump heads
with governments on both sides. It is a clash
of cultures and a contrast in community that
pave a path to discovery. Led by agent Ronald
Fleury (Jamie Foxx), it is up to his team to
break through barriers and get to the truth.
From the moment they touch down on Arab soil
it is a race to find the answers while
staying alive in a hostile environment.
Foxx is flanked by a cast of actors who each
add a special flavor to their characters. The
seasoned Chris Cooper shines as always and
balances well with Jennifer Garner and Jason
Bateman. Garner is perfect at being the
softer character with an inner strength that
flows just below the surface. It's the reason
she is perfect in Alias yet can turn around
and do an adorable romantic character. She
brings both of those elements to this agent
role. Foxx, who may never be a Denzel
Washington or a Samuel Jackson, still shows
to be a gifted talent. He gives 100% every
time. I saw reflections of a young Danny
Glover at times in this performance.
I loved the feel and look of this movie too.
It is a volatile story and the imagery and
design have to match. The cinematography and
direction moved this film along and allowed
each scene to breathe. Berg has a fantastic
eye for film making and I look forward to
seeing more of his work in the future. Again
I go back to the writing of Matthew Michael
Carnahan. This is his first endeavor and he
set the bar high for future projects. He
pulls you into conflicting cultures and lets
you see a brief glimpse into how we are so
different yet unnervingly alike.
The Kingdom is Rated R for intense sequences
of graphic brutal violence, and for language.
As I mentioned it is a film about terrorism
and the imagery is gripping and emotional.
You feel the impact of each blast with visual
awareness. I very seldom throw around perfect
ratings. It has to be a film that does more
than look or work great, It has to leave its
mark on you long after you leave the theater.
The Kingdom does just that. I give it 5 out
of 5 speeding Escalades. If you see one film
this post summer, it has to be this one. Just
know before you go.
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Matt and Cindy are members of the North Texas
Film
Critics Association (NTFCA). For additional
reviews
and interview clips visit the website.
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Mungleshow Productions
Matt Mungle
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