The Kingdom (2007)

Overall rating from 1 to 100: 94

O Masterpiece (95-100)
X Excellent (75-94)
O Rental (60-74)
O OK (50-59)
O Mediocrity (30-49)
O Avoid (1-29)

Review by Jason Pyles / October 4, 2007

“The Kingdom” may very well end up being the best movie of the year. It achieves many uncommon feats within the context of one film, which means that it is an effective action film, an effective drama and an effective thriller. Also, “The Kingdom” has poignant moments where it resonates with strong, emotional points that are minimally preachy. And, I might add, the acting is excellent, too, which is often uncharacteristic of the action genre.

The movie’s title refers to “the kingdom of Saudi Arabia” (a phrase used in the movie), which is where terrorists attack an idyllic picnic and softball game at an American compound. The victims include men, women and child of all ages. These images of horror, though shocking, are only part of the most horrifying elements in the movie.

Immediately, the FBI desires to visit Saudi Arabia and investigate the crime scene. But, of course, we are subjected to the frustrating moments of red tape, delicate diplomatic considerations and so forth. When a special, four-member, Evidence Response team is dispatched, there is a lengthy portion establishing the extreme differences in culture, including varying investigative practices and attitudes toward women.

Much of the plot is a police procedural, which has been equated with “CSI” (but is, in fact, not quite as extensive). We follow the team’s leader, Ron Fleury (Jamie Foxx), and his crew played by Chris Cooper, Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman. The four actors work well together, and their camaraderie is credible. Perhaps the best performance, however, comes from the team’s friend and guide, Colonel Al Ghazi (Ashraf Barhom), a family man who doesn’t like profanity.

You’ve probably seen director Peter Berg’s work before: “Friday Night Lights” (2004), “The Rundown” (2003) and “Very Bad Things” (1998). But “The Kingdom” is his best. It seems real, like we’re watching a documentary. And thankfully, unlike other action flicks, there aren’t painful one-liners blurted in the midst of intense action, a sure-fire way to incorporate artificiality at the cost of a laugh.

“The Kingdom” is meant to entertain, but I suspect that this purpose is secondary. I’m guessing that this film is meant to be eye opening. This moment happened for me when we get to see some of the little, unpleasant surprises the terrorists include while building their bombs, namely marbles and nails. Absolutely chilling.

While watching “The Kingdom,” I had the most troublesome feeling: I literally felt dread come over me because I was worried about some radical extremist blowing up the theater. In addition to my tangible uneasiness, this also filled me with sadness. Naturally, experiencing a well-executed movie like “The Kingdom” might make anyone leery; but beyond that, I couldn’t help but feel that after six years, the chill of terrorism has sunk into my bones.

Directed by Peter Berg
Jamie Foxx / Chris Cooper / Jennifer Garner
110 min. Action / Drama
MPAA: R (for intense sequences of graphic brutal violence, and for language)

Copyright 2007. 193