If youre looking for afeel-good buddy comedy,The Kingdomis as far away from it as possible.
It starts as a justice-seeking mission but quickly becomes a murky case ofsurvival by all means.
Given this, its impressive how the film avoids putting rose-colored glasses on the messy intricacies of global politics.
Image by Nimesh Niyomal
But what really makesThe Kingdompop is how it maximizes its stacked cast.
Then there’s Garner, who showcases her physicality with expertly timed kicks and precise strikes.
But once you watch a little more, its clear that they reflect Americas biggest contradictions.
Image via Universal Pictures
This is a direct parallel to the countrys selective awareness of global conflict.
The moment sees Foxxs Ronald Fleury turning the tables on a Saudi suspect.
What should have been a moment of moral reckoning ends up blurring the lines between revenge and justice.
Smart films with brutal subject matter.
Lets take the classic team of experts setup, its been done a million times.
But, this isnt another case whereone-dimensional charactersare brought to life.
Foxxs Ronald Fleury is the fearless leader, but hes as flawed as he is larger than life.
Then theres the explosive action.
Its true that the film isnt without the car chases andall-or-nothing showdowns.
However, the entire thing is grounded in a brutal realism that makes viewers question the heroics.
Its about vengeance and the karmic nature of violence.
