September 28, 1999. Copyright 1999. Graphic News. All rights reserved.

ÒTHREE KINGSÓ STINGS

LONDON, September 28, Graphic News: SET IN Iraqi territory in March 1991, ÒThree KingsÓ is the second Hollywood feature after ÒCourage Under FireÓ to use the setting of Operation Desert Storm.
Writer and director, David O. Russell, uses a ÒKellyÕs HeroesÓ-like heist of enemy loot to create a mix of goodhearted comedy and intense drama. 
Special Forces Captain Archie Gates (George Clooney), a seen-it-all career officer due to retire in two weeks, ditches his assignment to assist arrogant TV journalist Adriana Cruz (Nora Dunn) after he discovers that three G.I.s Ð Army Sergeant Troy Barlow (Mark Wahlberg), Staff Sergeant Chief Elgin (Ice Cube) and Private Conrad Vig (Spike Jonze) Ð have in their hands a map that seems to identify the location of an enormous stash of gold bullion snatched from Kuwait by SaddamÕs army.
Gates quickly overcomes the younger menÕs moral scruples ÐÒSaddam stole it from the sheiks,Ó  argues Gates, ÒI have no problem stealing it from Saddam.Ó
Gates commandeers a Humvee and leads his companions on a brief excursion to the nearby desert village to take possession of the bullion. They plan to be back by lunch Ð but things donÕt quite go as planned. 
Cinematographer Newton Thomas Sigel, who also handled camera for ÒThe Usual SuspectsÓ, again proves a master behind the lens. Released by Warner Bros. U.S. release date: October 1, 1999.
/ENDS