John’s Movie Musings

Simply put, The Hurt Locker is the most intense movie I’ve ever seen.  As a reference, it makes The Kingdom look like a “Knowing is half the battle” spot at the end of G.I. Joe cartoons.  I had to pause half-way to catch a breather.

You probably don’t know much, if anything, about the movie other than it’s been nominated for this year’s Best Picture Oscar.  You might not even have known that.  Anyway, the plot revolves around a team of three guys in Iraq who disarm IEDs.  Those are the improvised explosives along the roads that have been blowing up our tanks over there.  Basically, think of the best parts of Lethal Weapon with three guys who aren’t too old for this shit.

Though the movie is based in Iraq, it makes absolutely no political statements.  War is hell.  Period.  And here’s a story set within the latest.

Back in the old days, special effects were so expensive that directors had to build suspense without showing the real danger.  Jaws, Alien, and some Hitchcock movies are famous for this.  The Hurt Locker follows this same formula in just about every scene.  I’ve never been to Baghdad, but I can imagine the fear these soldiers face when women and children are delivering bombs.  Is the soldier having a casual conversation, or is it a diversion for an IED deployment?  Intense.

Like I mentioned earlier, The Hurt Locker is up for Best Picture.  My favorite of the year is still District 9, but only barely.  If The Hurt Locker wins, it will very much deserve it.

Go rent this before Sunday’s Oscars.  It’s a ride worth taking.

Grade: A+