The Kingdom (2007)

Director: Peter Berg

Starring: Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Garner, Chris Cooper, Jason Bateman

A team of U.S. government agents are sent to investigate the bombing of an American facility in the Middle East.

‘The Kingdom’ hits the audience with a shocking opening sequence. Following this incident, four FBI Special Agents are sent to investigate. However, they encounter a few obstacles, complicating their investigation. Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Garner, Chris Cooper and Jason Bateman stars as the FBI Agents. Ashraf Barhom starred as Colonel Faris Al Ghazi, who assisted the group in Saudi Arabia, and had to ensure their safely. I really enjoyed this character, and appreciated the fact that they showed us more about this character. Seeing him as a father figure instead of just another officer, made me root for him.

‘The Kingdom’ was so engaging, I was glued to the screen from beginning to end. This is an extremely well made film, that just got better and better as it went along. The action sequences were also incredible – especially the freeway scene – with director Peter Berg opting for practical effects instead of CGI. This made the film all the more realistic, and a tense nail-biter at that.

The more information the team uncovered the more interested I became, wanting to know more. I thought this was really fascinating. Very good performances as well. The film ends on disturbing, thought provoking final note…

‘The Kingdom’ was a moderate box office success, earning $87 million on a $70 million budget.

Would I watch it again? Yes.