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The Kingdom

Heart-pounding drama reigns above most stories of Americans in the Middle East

By Matt Pais

September 25, 2007

Critic's Rating:

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A team of FBI agents (Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Garner, Chris Cooper, Jason Bateman/comic relief) investigates a terrorist attack in Saudi Arabia that killed Saudis and Americans, adults and children.

Big question: Can director Peter Berg ("Friday Night Lights") deliver an insider's look at complicated, dangerous work on hostile ground?

Catch it: The pacing is just right, shifting deftly between procedural road blocks and high-energy action sequences that wouldn't be out of place in "The Bourne Ultimatum." While "The Kingdom" keeps a distance from nearly every character but Fluery (Foxx) and Saudi Colonel Al-Ghazi (Ashraf Barhoum, excellent), the film excels at capturing the many dimensions of the people caught in a war zone and the outsiders choosing to enter a place that's far from happy to see them.

Skip it: If you believe there's nothing Shaq can do to improve his free throw percentage. Janet (Garner) says the terrible-shooting center just needs to do as the agents do and lock himself away in a gym for a few hours a day—but does he have to go to the Middle East to do it?

Bottom line: The movie's climax hinges on a piece of too-convenient evidence while misguidedly suggesting that revenge is the same for terrorists and victims. Until then, though, excitement and firm control over the subject matter combine to explore the clash between traditional and modern values, and a vicious circle of killing nowhere near spilling its last drop of blood.

Bonus: Fluery gives Sykes (Cooper) a helpful way to tell if you're not a stylish dresser: if you buy your clothes and car batteries in the same place! The statement is revoked, of course, if Banana Republic starts selling auto parts.

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