One of the most disappointing modern war movies, not deserving of such a high IMDb score

Rating: 4/10 (24 January 2010)

Being a fan of all modern war movies; from the action-packed thrillers of "Black Hawk Down" and "The Kingdom", to the fascinating and more gently-paced examinations of "Jarhead" and "Home of the Brave"; I was really eager to see The Hurt Locker. Word on the street was good, the IMDb score was high, not to mention that I've enjoyed all Kathryn Bigelow's previous movies and I find Jeremy Renner very likable in anything I've seen him in...
So what a surprise it was when The Hurt Locker turned out to be uninspiring and dull-as-dishwater. If Bigelow's intention was to make the viewer feel as restless and bored as the guys behind the wire, then she succeeded. If her intention was in any way to thrill us, or to give us a glimpse into the life and mind of a modern soldier, I'd say she failed miserably.
The main problem with The Hurt Locker is that it feels like a bunch of (reasonably competent) scenes strung together with no rhyme or reason. There is no plot to speak of, and very little attempt is made to build audience identification with any of the characters. Every character leaves the movie just as ambiguous and unlikeable as when they entered it.
Some other reviewers have mentioned the inaccuracies. Not being a soldier myself I have no idea exactly how operations are run in the middle east... but I will say I harbored strong suspicions throughout the movie that it was wildly inaccurate. Rogue team leaders gallivanting around in the night? IED disposal experts that were also fully trained sniper units? I just wasn't buying it.
I'm truly surprised this film has such a high IMDb score. If you want action, it doesn't really deliver - go get The Kingdom instead. If you want good drama try Jarhead instead. The Hurt Locker is a poor substitute for a whole host of much better movies.