War films have been around since the beginning of the movie industry. Some of my favorites include The Deer Hunter, Glory, Born on the Fourth of July, Full Metal Jacket, and Saving Private Ryan. The Persian Gulf war has been virtually untapped, with exception of Ed Zwick's outstanding Courage Under Fire.

Surprisingly, this film emerges as one of this year's biggest treats. It's an innovative, unpredictable, and highly original war picture unlike any other I've seen. Writer-director David O. Russell (Flirting With Disaster, Spanking the Monkey) has fashioned a hip, energetic film about combat and compassion. He makes heroes out of the most unlikely of soldiers, but never once do you doubt their actions. The film also shows amazing amounts of restraint, even though the previews make it look pretentious and overblown. He also uses unconventional, highly innovative camera techniques that aren't common in war films, and they're certainly a welcome change of pace.

Russell gets terrific performances out of George Clooney, Ice Cube, Mark Wahlberg, and music video director Spike Jonze (who makes his feature film directorial debut later this year with Being John Malkovich). Russell also creates a funky, much welcome rhythm not usually associated with this type of film that really conveys a sense of realism.

Three Kings is sort of a Pulp Fiction meets M*A*S*H. Russell has scored big with his first major studio effort. He's definitely a talent to keep your eye on. This film is a stunning achievement.