Review of Three Kings (1999) by Allen B — 20 Jun 2010

An above average war flick even more relevant today than when it came out. Often entertaining and occasionally very funny, and featuring the surprise appearance of a young "Maeby" of "Arrested Development" fame in what was probably her first role ever. I almost didn't recognize her, but yeah, it's her.

The plot is interesting, though it drags a bit in the middle. Just a bit. It's still good, but once they get stuck in the desert and have to wait things out, things started getting a bit dull. But the plot kicks in again pretty quickly, and the ending is satisfying. And Mark Wahlberg getting tortured is one for the ages.

I also enjoyed the way it humanized the "enemy" by portraying the people of Iraq as suffering victims of Saddam's regime. If only this film had come out before the beginning of the Iraq war, or even during, opinions may have been swayed. Still, it is out there, and can be watched again at any time.

Overall, a good film. Interesting, unique, visually stylistic, and often quite funny. And still relevant after all these years. Go see it if you never have.