"Watch the land mine,” Duck (Terrence Howard) tells the young journalist Benjamin after they get off the plane in Bosnia. This short phrase is used as a joke throughout the movie but what it implies is rather terrifying. Towards the end of the film a very intense scene happens because the characters do not listen to themselves. What should have been expected was not due to the shifting tone.

Many critics and audience members are going to have a tough time letting this ‘party’ play as pure entertainment. It certainly is entertaining, but on the other hand, it has a point it makes through absurdity. The film starts as a scathing black comedy and then gradually maneuvers into an intense scenario that works better than anything in Hostel.

The Hunting Party begins with a reporter, Simon Hunt (Richard Gere) and his cameraman, Duck (Terrence Howard) covering the war in Bosnia. As they are running through the war torn streets, they are shot at and bombs go off around them. At first, Hunt loves the thrill of covering war and then something personal happens and he snaps. While he is on air he curses at the anchor and is immediately fired. Hunt disappears; meanwhile his cameraman gets promoted. As Duck is living the comfortable life, Hunt has been covering war for some of the news stations lowest on the totem pole. Hunt believes he knows exactly where The Fox is and wants to hold an interview with the elusive Bosnian warlord. He convinces Duck and Benjamin to go along, but as they begin their search for The Fox, hidden agendas surface and it quickly becomes apparent that not everything is as it seems.

The Hunting Party is a brilliant stab in the back of the U.N. As the three characters come closer to The Fox’s burrow, they begin to realize how little the U.N.’s involvement really is. I can’t say any more without spoiling the climax, but the last few scenes are simply fantastic. They bring a sheer pleasure, even if it is a bit farfetched.

Director Richard Shepard’s last film was The Matador, an exquisite blend of comedy and drama. It had a hilarious and unique story told much like The Hunting Party. Without a doubt Shepard is rising quick and doing things his way. He is creating stories that sound unsellable but they should not be missed, and he has progressed into an even better filmmaker. He style is creative and abundant, most notably unique editing and soundtrack choices, but never overbearing to the story, letting it unfold with graceful ease.

The Hunting Party features what is likely Richard Gere’s finest performance. This role was made for him and he takes up the challenge, appearing in rare form. I've never been an enormous Gere fan, but after seeing this movie, my mind's been changed. Terrence Howard and Jesse Eisenberg are both very impressive as well. Eisenberg did a tremendous job in The Squid and the Whale, and here his performance has matured to match the bravado of his co-stars. In the aforementioned climactic scene, I was in his shoes. His fear came across as very real. He is that good. As for Howard, when is he not good?

Do yourself a favor and hunt this movie down. It is one of the best times I’ve had at the cinema this year.

- G. Brandon Hill