The Kingdom

The Kingdom

Now, this is more like it.

Set in modern day Saudi Arabia, a terrorist attack kills both American workers and Saudi civilians. FBI agent Jamie Foxx forces his way into the investigation in Riyadh with his forensic team.

The Kingdom was definitely lumped in with all those other ‘Gulf War’ movies that came out this year, with most of them making very little money. Yet, this movie wasn’t really a political thriller like those other films. The film is a Procedural movie like CSI, except set in the Middle East. Then the movie switches gears and becomes an action film. Both portions of the film work. There are culture clashes, but it all boils down to people trying to figure out what has happened.

The film is filled with great performances. Jamie Foxx, though surprisingly restrained, doesn’t have that much of a back story. You get an idea who he is from his actions or lack of actions. He’s the leader that observes things around him, but jumps in when he needs to. And, don’t throw hand grenades at Jamie Foxx.

Jason Bateman plays Michael Bluth from Arrested Development, which he is fine at. Chris Cooper is really great in his role. From all the roles I’ve seen him in, Cooper has impressed me a lot lately. The two Saudi officers that teamed up with the FBI agents were also good (Ali Suliman and Ashraf Barhom). Jennifer Garner is very good in this movie, if in a limited role. She’s never looked better. I think I’m in love with Ms. Garner.

Sure the camera work is sometimes a bit too shaky and the score is bad, but I enjoyed the character moments between the two police groups. The investigation parts and the actions parts were handled well by director (and actor) Peter Berg. Take a look at his IMDB page. Does this man ever rest?

The Kingdom has some flaws, but I found it more interesting than those forensic shows like CSI. Remember, it’s about characters. I really enjoyed this movie and you might too.

Grade: BUh, she can come over and play spy games with me any day. Bring your Alias wigs with you, Jennifer

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Wasn't this shot just like a shot on Alias?