Three Kings

December 12, 2004

Rated: R Runtime: 125 min Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

DVD Quick Take

The video quality is brilliant, especially when you consider just how challenging it must’ve been to put it together given the arsty manner in which this movie was shot. You’ll find out more about that in one of the many behind the scenes pieces that comes as an extra on this DVD. The picture is anamorphically enhanced and brilliant.

The audio leaves a bit to be desired, but it is a faithful reproduction of the theatrical release. Most of the sound comes from the center channel and two front channels with a high emphasis on dialog. Only in the most intense action scenes with gunfire and explosions will it remind you that you have a subwoofer and some rear speakers as well.

If you enjoyed this movie at the theater, this DVD is a must have just for the extras alone. There’s a ton of them.

Original Review of the Theatrical Release

Intense. If I were to sum this movie up in one word, that would be my choice.

The movie centers around a group of soldiers who come across a map that shows the location Saddam Hussein has hidden gold bullion that was stolen from Kuwait. These soldiers are all army reservist without much to lose with the exception of Archie Gates (George Clooney) who is set to retire in two weeks. Seeing an opportunity to get rich in a hurry they decide to make a run for the gold.

Their plan is simple. Drive to the bunker, get the gold, drive back (they don’t discuss how to get the gold actually out of the country without anyone spotting it, but that’s just a minor detail I guess.) As it happens so often, the plan doesn’t go exactly as scheduled.

The first problem come with actually finding the loot, and once that has been solved another really pesky problem comes into play.. Conscience. The men are face to face with refugees being imprisoned and tortured by Saddams troops in the name of restoring “civil order.” As they bear witness to the atrocities, their conscience forces them to act to defend the civilians.

The movie revolves around them coming to grips with what they need to do in order to keep the money and help the refugees. What could have been just another “by the book” action movie turns into an action/drama of sorts as we witness these men deal with the hand they’ve been dealt.

Acting is top notch with stellar performances being turned in by the entire cast. We actually grow to care about these guys in the 2 hours we have with them and as such have a vested interest in the ending. It’s rare that a movie can do that.

The style of the film is quite good as well, with film grain, over exposure, slow motion, and flashbacks being incorporated as just the right times to add a little extra “oomph” to the movie. Unlike a John Woo film, you don’t want to groan everytime a slow motion scene is done.

It’s almost a 5 star film, but not quite. I only give 5 stars when I know the second the movie is over that it was worth 5 stars. I had to think a little on this one, thus it gets 4. Highly recommended, and best suited for the big screen.

Posted by Billy Bob | Filed Under 4 Stars, Action, DVD, George Clooney, Ice Cube, Mark Wahlberg, Nora Dunn, R, Spike Jonze