Not an Academy Award winner, but a very good movie!

Rating: 7/10 (26 March 2012)

A definite bimodal distribution exists in the reviews. The people that loved the movie, in some cases, go overboard ('the work of a master film maker' types). Those that didn't love it also, in some cases, go overboard. (the 'worst movie ever' types). I particularly liked a comment in one review - 'The Hurt Locker is a serious character study and a taut, suspenseful action thriller at once.' Well said. That is what it is. But, assigning the attribute of 'master film maker' isn't realistic.
Personally, as a drama, and a characterization of the motives and heroics of soldiers, I thought Blackhawk Down was a (much) better movie. I see no reason that this film received an Academy Award. But, I enjoyed watching it, I am glad I watched (and own) it, and I will watch it again. The AA designation doesn't influence my assessment.
I agree with the military criticisms, about the inaccuracy of the settings and context in many cases. That doesn't take away from the enjoyment of watching it.
So, watch it for what it is - an suspenseful action movie, with some very personal drama laced in. Don't watch it to see cinematic mastery, or what an AA winner should look like.