War! What Is It Good For? Apparently, Extremely Compelling Films…

14. Three Kings

Image Source: Cara Owsley, THE CINCINNATI ENQUIRER

David O’ Russell’s Three Kings is some kind of weird masterpiece. It’s a screw-loose war picture that sends action and humor crashing head-on and spinning off into political anger. Major Archie Gates (George Clooney) retires in two weeks, sergeant Troy Barlow (Mark Wahlberg) is a new father, and Chief Elgin (Ice Cube) is on a four-month paid vacation from Detroit. Saddam Hussein stole a great deal of gold from Kuwait, and these soldiers have no problem with stealing it from him. On their way to collect their booty, they bear witness to the disturbing results of the war effort.