Review of Three Kings (2011) by Hate Y — 27 Oct 2009

I applaud David O. Russell for creating a film that is roundly stylized, poignant, and absurd. The four characters, all opportunists with their own justification, are perfectly drawn and perfectly cast.

Wahlburg turns in a good performance, a rare feat by the actor, but he lands one it's pretty remarkable. The progression of the characters from rogue thieves to silent heroes is an uplifting work of fiction about the persistence of decency amidst capitalism.

The film frequently and gracefully transitions from the comedy of an effortless war to the drama of an effortless war, all under Newton Thomas Sigel's genius photography of the blistering Saudi desert and an array of impressive post-production effects.

A very creative and original war movie, widdling down the politics of the US's middle-eastern influence with witty and comedic symbolism.