Here is the sharp, intelligent action-thriller audiences have been craving and probably missed. Why the studio opted to keep this one in limited release is beyond me. “The Hurt Locker,” directed by Kathryn Bigelow (Point Break, Strange Days), could’ve broken the stigma on Iraq-war films and, with some solid marketing behind it, may have easily performed to the tune of at least $60 million, or a total similar to 2005’s “Jarhead.” Oh well, so much for living in the past. The intensity of the film can still be taken on its own terms, and luckily “The Hurt Locker” has been making the rounds in most critics’ top-ten lists for the year, receiving a lot of Best Picture buzz and wins around awards’ circles. And the credit is most certainly due. This film is razor-sharp.
Jeremy Renner (28 Weeks Later) shows off some acting chops as Sgt. William James, the new team leader of a group of bomb diffusers operating in Iraq. He has two other soldiers working with him to provide his cover fire as he dresses himself in a protective bombsuit to disarm the weapons. His rogue-like ways soon test the other members’ trust in their squad-leader, and the risk of their already-dangerous job increases.
This film has a superior director in Kathryn Bigelow, whose amazing talent and feel for the material makes for a truly ambitious film. Her movie captures much of the action ‘pow’ while keeping it in a realistic, intense, and intelligent environment. The actors help, especially Jeremy Renner whose performance has received a good deal of attention. While the film caught critics’ attention last year at film festivals, it is finally earning its keep this year. Granted, the film didn’t get enough exposure or box office performance to find a Best Picture Oscar, but the Academy nominations are certain, and Bigelow might walk away with a much-deserved “Best Director” statue if she can fend off former hubby Jim Cameron and his “Avatar” opus. “The Hurt Locker” is easily one of the best war films of the last decade, and I’m glad to see it finding the recognition it’s received this year.Â
Last 5 posts by Matt V
- Escape Plan - October 20th, 2013
- Captain Phillips - October 16th, 2013
- Gravity - October 15th, 2013
- Prisoners - October 15th, 2013
- World War Z - June 20th, 2013
Private Ryan is one of my favorite movies of all time, and while I don’t know if Hurt Locker can live up to Spielberg’s legacy when it comes to probing the human side of war, I’m anxious to see this movie nonetheless. I actually liked Kathryn Bigelow’s K-19 The Widowmaker, and I’m glad to see a female director doing so well with a war film like this.