Lone Star (1996)

A good friend recommended this to me recently, and he was right, its is a very good movie. There are actually multiple interconnected stories going on in this small Texas town. But isn't that the case with all small towns?

Chris Cooper plays a reluctant county sheriff who is haunted by the ghosts of the two previous sheriffs. Not literally a ghost story, but close enough. Elizabeth Peña plays a school teacher who is haunted by the romantic memory of Cooper's character. Kris Kristofferson and Matthew McConaughey play the two former sheriffs who hated each other.

This story is both a murder mystery and a love story. Behind both are parent-child relations. Connecting the two plot lines are eco-political scheming, inter-racial relations, some very submerged rage, and some great lines. The acting is superb and the music is classic tex-mex. Toss in a bit historical reality and you have a very interesting story.

Watch this movie with someone who forgets they have immigrant ancestors.

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.