Three Kings (1999)

About half way between now and the liberation of Kuwait a very interesting movie was made. What was it all about? Who can say for sure.

George Clooney plays a Special Forces officer who tends to color outside the lines. Mark Wahlberg plays a soldier who helps Clooney's character steal gold that Saddam stole from Kuwait. Ice Cube and Spike Jonze also play unconventional soldiers who help. So who are the Three Kings? No spoilers here, watch and find out.

While it does get a little preachy at times, the action and the comedy are there if you are paying attention. It is not such a terrible thing to hear what might have been the point of view of some at the time on both sides of the conflict.

Watch this movie with someone who thinks war is all about honor and glory.

Crossing Over

What "Crash" did for racial issues this movie does for immigration issues - almost. Crossing Over follows a similar format with A-List stars, compelling familiar scenarios, and short scenes to hold our attention.

The difference? The point of Crash was that everyone is both guilty of, AND a victim of, racism. That is not the case with immigration issues. So to that extent, the movie comes up a little short if held to the same standard as Crash. Otherwise, it is a very good collection of stories, very well told.

Harrison Ford plays a senior ICE agent who struggles with doing whats right and doing whats expected. Ray Liotta and Ashley Judd play a married couple both involved in immigration issues but from different sides of the law. Jim Sturgess and Alice Eve play a couple who are in the country illegally and will do anything to stay. Cliff Curtis plays Ford's partner at ICE and a member of a family who struggles with cultural heritage and the realities of American life. All the paths eventually cross.

I'm curious what Sean Penn's original part was on this. Any ideas?

Watch this movie with someone who was not born here.