Plotline George Clooney stars in a Gulf War movie that begins as a Kelly's Heroes-style romp, with George as a rogue commando searching for gold bullion looted by Saddam from Kuwait. When he finds it, with help from Wahlberg, Ice Cube and Spike Jonze (director of Being John Malkovich), the film shifts to darker satire.
Spoils of war The main target of the satire is the war's mercenary motivation. Turns out the Iraqis have stolen not only gold, but Bart Simpson dolls, Louis Vuitton bags, mobile phones... Of course, the Yanks are no better. When Wahlberg gets captured and tortured, he's symbolically forced to drink motor oil.
Shooting in close-up Squeamish viewers, prepare to look away from a shot that goes inside someone's internal organs to show the damage of a bullet wound.
Hands-on experience Cast received advice from a real Special Forces vet, Jim Parker. And not just tips about soldiering: in 'Nam, Parker and buddies got their mitts on a six-ton gold Buddha. Their attempt to get it back to the US ended when they dropped it in a river.
The egos have landed On set, tensions ran high between Clooney and director David O. Russell (Spanking The Monkey), until the pair literally came to blows. But don't worry: they're now best friends.
Verdicts 'A gripping and wickedly witty movie that is more than just a war film' - LA Times. 'Sets a gold standard for all movies this year' - Wall Street Journal.
