The Hurt Locker

Starring: Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty, Guy Pearce, Ralph Fiennes, David Morse, Evangeline Lilly
Directed by: Kathryn Bigelow
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Drama, War
2009

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: A team of American explosive disposal experts operats in Iraq, risking their lives every time they go out, to disarm the roadside bombs that are designed to kill them.

Review:

Tim: The Hurt Locker is one of the most intense, intelligent action movies ever made. I loved the sheer level of suspense and thrills that pervades every aspect of this movie. You have to continually remind yourself to breathe- that is how intense Kathryn Bigelow's Iraq War movie is. In many ways, I love this movie. While I think it falls short of perfection, this is still a truly great movie. I love how this movie flew under the radar, before emerging as an award contender. I was thrilled that it was nominated for 9 Academy Awards, and very happy it won 6. While I do believe that this movie deserves its Best Picture win, I have to admit that I didn't quite think this movie was the best film of 2009. Still, this is a worthy film and I love that the Academy recognized this movie.

I admit that I have grown increasingly tired of the Iraqi War movie trend in Hollywood. It was fine for a while, but lately, it has felt more and more tired. I can do without them. However, just when I feel like I'd be fine never seeing another movie in this subgenre, a film like The Hurt Locker comes along, and makes me completely reconsider my stance. This is easily the greatest Iraq War movie ever made, but it also transcends all labels. This is not only a great action movie and a great war movie, this is a film that deserves its place among the all time best.

A great deal of the success of the film goes to director Kathryn Bigelow. She creates a vivid, memorable movie that is so intense and enthralling that it will stay with you long after the credits roll. The gritty, almost documentary feel to this movie puts you directly into the line of fire- you feel like you are there with the characters, rather than observing from the sidelines. This aspect of the film cannot be discounted- it is a major contributor to this film's success.

I loved the cast. Jeremy Renner is a fantastic actor, and I was ecstatic that he got the chance here to showcase his talent for the world to see. I was so, so happy that he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor- it was deserved recognition. Renner gives a career-making performance. He is charismatic, wild, dangerous, and occasionally scary. In short, he was terrific. I also really liked the casting of Anthony Mackie and Brian Geraghty. These are not big name stars, but they were the right actors in the right parts. I cannot say enough about Renner, Mackie, and Geraghty. These three men make the movie. I also really enjoyed the smaller- but important- roles of Guy Pearce, Ralph Fiennes, and David Morse. The very presence of these three men makes this movie feel even more classy and legitimate than it already did. I was also glad to see Evangeline Lilly, although I wish she had more screen time.

While I loved many aspects of this movie, it is not flawless. Yes, the initial bomb scene is absolutely incredible. The subsequent bomb disposal scenes are all nailbiting and thrilling. I loved these scenes. The first hour and a half of this film is truly terrific. However, I felt like the movie strayed a bit when Renner sneaks out of the base. The next twenty minutes or so felt off-course a bit. The film eventually evens out and pulls it together for the conclusion, but I felt like this detour hurt the movie and decreased the film's momentum.

I am amazed that any movie could make me completely rethink my opinion of Iraq War movies, but The Hurt Locker does just that. It is intelligent, well made, and overall, a thrilling, unforgettable movie. This might not quite be a near-perfect movie, but this is a truly great movie, and deserves to be mentioned in the conversation of the best war movies ever made. This is a classic.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Kingdom, Rendition, Platoon, Point Break