Fridae

Screenwriter Matthew Michael Carnahan is one of the hottest screenwriting properties right now. He has two political dramas playing simultaneously, Lion for Lambs and The Kingdom. A political science graduate who was inspired by the tragic events of 9/11 to write screenplays, Matthew's latest screen gem looks at the thorny relationship between US and Saudi Arabia.

Saudi is one of US' best allies and oil suppliers, but it also happens to be where most of 9/11 terrorists came from. This fictional account begins when a suicide attack in an American oil compound on Saudi soils kills and wounds hundreds. Leading secret FBI team that includes Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman, Jamie Foxx braves terrorists and corrupt American officials to solve the case and hunt down the masterminds.

Directed by Peter Berg (Friday Night Lights), The Kingdom differs from Lion for Lambs in that it is far more action-packed that the latter. In fact, there are several energetic and explosive action sequences, making it more of a high-octane thriller than a political drama. But the intelligence of Matthew's script manages to shine through with some sharp observations about America's dicey relationship with the Middle East.

For political or action junkies, this is the movie to see.