The Kingdom (2007)

the audience applauded

Good , But It Is Overrated By Some

Awesome Movie

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

I very much enjoyed this thought provoking film. The script offers a clue as to why there is such hostility to the U S A in the middle east. A tense and action packed drama, which goes right to the wire. Having seen a few of these U S versus fanatics of middle eastern origin, in war zones, they seem to have a common problem. The viewing pleasure is undermined by poor sound quality. The issue is so problematic, that if viewers of T V Film packages demanded a sub title option, then something might be done, to offer an improvement. I would have given this film a 9/10 but demanded my money back had i had the listening experience in the cinema, like i had in my home. I am beginning to wonder if there is a cynical ploy of farming out poor quality sound action films, to mugs like us who pay for these packages.

"The kingdom" is one of those movies that fly a bit under the radar. While providing an illustrious cast, it never really reached the popularity of other comparable films.There are several aspects why this, in my opinion, is a mistake. First of all, it is a more than solid action movie. It is nicely made, holds the suspense high, while trying to add some politics and philosophy. Most of the actors play superb, including an astonishing performance given by Jamie Foxx. Secondly it avoids painting black and white, although at some points it is not far away.As usual, there are also some things I disliked. One is that again we have kind of an American team of superheroes, that just magically seems to survive and win every battle against dozens of villains in battle sequences that were a bit too long for my taste. The other is the character of the American ambassador, that just seemed a bit more like out of a comedy, a sector that is in general not a big strength of this movie, whenever it tries to be funny it gets questionable.What convinced me at the end was indeed the message. Killing people, no matter how inevitable it may seem, always produces hate. You can't eliminate terrorists without setting root to the next generation of war because you eliminate relatives, neighbors, friends, at the same time. I don't have a solution for this. But it makes you think. And that's always good for a movie.

I happened across this late one evening and not having heard about its release a number of years ago liked the initial hook. The political machinations of US dealings with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia could really have been developed, and Piven's clumsy insertions into the movie serve no real point. With its decent cast and premise this could have been so much more. Foxx, Bateman and Garner (amazingly in the latter's case) do well in the rather limited confines of the script. Ashraf Barhom is very good, Chris Cooper is criminally under-utilised. A predictable by-the-numbers ending sadly wasted a lot of possibilities.

Peter Berg's 'The Kingdom' is an underrated film, that delivers Solid Entertainment! Its tense, nail-biting, edge-of-the-seat stuff, that left me in awe.'The Kingdom' Synopsis: A team of U.S. government agents is sent to investigate the bombing of an American facility in the Middle East.'The Kingdom' is about fighting terror within our society. Its about the Good battling the Bad. Matthew Michael Carnahan's Screenplay moves on a feverish pace & offers striking moments all through. The characters are strong & their journey together, is violent, poignant & ultimately satisfying. Berg's Direction is first-class. He has handled the film with precision. Cinematography & Editing offer sharpness, while the Action-Sequences (The Climax, especially) are mind-blowing! Danny Elfman's Score is appropriate.Performance-Wise: Jamie Foxx is competent, as always. Jennifer Garner is hot & heroic, while Chris Cooper is fantastic. Jason Bateman provides the much needed relief in the intense proceedings & stands out. Ashraf Barhom is superb. A Fine Actor! Richard Jenkins & Jeremy Piven are simply terrific in brief, yet significant roles. On the whole, 'The Kingdom' packs a punch! Strongly Recommended!