Three Kings

Necessity

Three Kings is an intriguing movie largely because the four primary characters are constantly changing their motivations. As their situation changes dramatically from moment to moment, the audience must puzzle out how to deal with a particular situation. The story doesn't rely on any clichés that I know of, so the strategic and ethical decisions are just as difficult and confusing for the audience. The shifting allegiances kept me on my toes trying to anticipate the next step. Director David O. Russell keeps the pace moving fast enough that I was always on the edge of my seat, even when almost nothing was happening.

Royal Presences

The four kings are played by very capable actors. George Clooney previously demonstrated his charm in Out of Sight, and uses his powers of persuasion well here. Spike Jonze, the director of the amazing Being John Malkovich, plays an uncertain country boy. Mark Wahlberg redeems himself somewhat for his appearance in The Big Hit, but don't expect anything on the calibre of Boogie Nights. I don't remember much from Higher Learning, so I'm not familiar with Ice Cube, but he's solid here. Pun not intended, I swear!