THE KINGDOM ***½

This action thriller with political overtones stars: Jamie Foxx, Chris Cooper, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, and Ashraf Barhom in the major roles. Actor turned director for this film is Peter Berg.

After a brief history of modern Saudia Arabia the pic opens with an explosive suicide bombing in an American compound. Among the casualties are two FBI agents. A stateside team of agents (Foxx, Cooper, Garner and Bateman) manages to get permission to go to the scene of the explosion in an attempt to determine who is responsible. The Saudis don't really want them but finally agree only if they are under the strict supervision of Barhom. As the team begins to make progress it soon becomes obvious the bombers have decided the team would make an excellent second target. With the plot racing to its conclusion, the question becomes who will be eliminated, the bombers or the team.

This is not a non-stop action film like THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM since it's also covering some of the political intrigue inherent in dealing with a Middle Eastern culture. But it has enough action to keep you interested throughout. The cast is excellent although I personally question whether Garner's character would be so emotional in real life...but that's the plot, not her. Unknown Ashraf Barhom is excellent as the Saudi police officer who must carefully tread the line between being an investigator and a loyal Saudi citizen. Both action and political junkie fans should find this film entertaining. Lots of violence and profane language. The big screen will show this film most effectively.