This movie is the bomb!

Rating: 9/10 (5 September 2009)

I promise you this will not hurt (maybe a little) meaning my following punsightful review of the explosive Iraq war film "The Hurt Locker". There has been buzz circulating stating that other presumed Best Picture Oscar contenders do not stand a chance in diffusing "The Hurt Locker" from reaching the golden statuette. I would not personally go that far, but undoubtedly the film is a worthy contender in the Camp Oscar battle. Director Kathryn Bigelow has orchestrated in "The Hurt Locker" the best Iraq War film assembled so far. Bigelow's authentic picturesque display of an Army Bomb Squad's courageous tasks in diffusing bombs is a totally suspenseful tour-de-force. Jeremy Renner stars as Sgt. William James, the main bomber of the squad, whose passion for the risqué of diffusing bombs and war battle confrontations demonstrates not all soldiers have a mentality that "war is hell"; some live for it as King James here. Anthony Mackie co-stars as J.T. Sanborn, the more by-the-book or bomb for that matter sergeant in the squad who constantly conflicts with James' fiery bombastic nature. Brian Geraghty plays Specialist Owen Eldridge, the internally conflicted of the bunch who has his own psychological time bomb ticking in his continuous fixated anxious mind. All three of these actors give solid performances, but its Renner who goes further outside the acting box in delivering the apex acting of the film. Bigelow's expert craftsmanship or should I say craftswomanship is displayed with the detail-oriented vision of the fervor, passion, anxiety, and embodiment of the risk-taking physical atrocities and adrenaline mental rushes of war which have helmed Kathryn with a five-star General Director status for her efforts here. This Bigelow is no Dunce Bigelow and her name will be included in the Best Director Oscar list for this year! "The Hurt Locker" also should garner "sure lock" Oscar nominations for its stellar Cinematography and Art Direction. Mark Boal's captivating screenplay bowled me over, even though a few times I got somewhat lost in the garrulous crossfire of war terminology. I would not insert "The Hurt Locker" in the pedestals of "Saving Private Ryan" or "Full Metal Jacket" of war films, but its not too far off. Hopefully, I have provided enough of affirmative cinematic combinations for you to unlock "The Hurt Locker" before it explodes away from your local theatre. **** Excellent