DVD Review: Three Kings (Blu-ray)

It may be a decade old, but the Three Kings blu-ray has just hit the shelves last Tuesday the 12th. For those of you that didn’t see the film when it first came out back in the ’99, the best way to describe it is simply as an intelligent war movie. While it certainly didn’t get the praise of films like Saving Private Ryan, it won over viewers by not sugarcoating the content and leaving them with a lot to think about. Perhaps it’s a good time to be re-releasing this title?

The film is set at the end of the Gulf War. Archie Gates (George Clooney) along with 3 other restless soldiers (played by Mark Wahlberg, Ice Cube, and Spike Jonze) decide to raid a bunker holding a stash of gold which was stolen by the Iraqi army. Their plan is pretty simple – Get in. Get out. Get rich. Only it’s far from being that simple. Troy Barlow (Wahlberg) is captured and tortured – and the rest of the crew finds their their vehicles have been destroyed.

It’s hard to really categorize this film. It’s extremely funny at points and incredibly violent at others, but despite which extreme the movie takes, you’ll find it always stays on target. It provides insight as to how citizens of other countries view the US without being patronizing. And while Saddam is vilified in the movie, the film doesn’t seem to take sides. Everyone is shown as human beings, even soldiers who torture Troy. They’re fathers who have joined the army to provide a better quality of life for their families. The back stories from both sides helps to add an incredible amount of depth to the film which makes the story all the more poignant.

It’s a great movie to pick up and add to your collection, especially this release with all the extras. Special features include additional scenes, 2 commentaries, interviews, and a number of featurettes that take a look at the production design as well as the acting process (this one brought to you by Ice Cube).

Grade: A-
Official Site: www.warnerblu.com

Review By: Emma Loggins

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Disclaimer: FanBolt did receive a copy of Three Kings on Blu-ray to be able to conduct this review. We’ve received no additional compensation for this review. This review is our honest opinion.

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