For what it is, it's great...

Rating: 7/10 (24 September 2013)

If you want the REAL story of how Osama Bin Laden was tracked down and eventually killed by the Yanks... you're probably not going to find it here. Forgive me for saying this, but I always get very cynical when it comes to governmental accounts of their international deeds, particularly the USA who haven't got a great record for transparency. What this movie is though, is a gripping spectacle in it's own right, in a world which seems as far from peace as a game of Battleships.
If a woman existed with the talents of the agent played by Jessica Chastain, she'd be the first lady USA president, no sweat. She reminded me of Carrie from Homeland, in that her gut instinct was always proved right, and her professionalism stood out in stark contrast to her bumbling male colleagues. Is it THAT obvious the movie had a female director? Never mind, I guess it's nice to see a strong representation of the fairer sex in a war film, so credit where it's due.
The thing is though, has Bin Laden's death REALLY changed anything? The guy was stuck in the middle of nowhere, reduced to a bit part player in terrorist affairs. His moment in the sun had come and gone. The way people celebrated after his demise, you'd think they'd vanquished the devil himself. Alas, I suspect Osama ultimately died a mere figurehead, and someone else will simply step forward to carry on his 'work'... so all this planning and execution could be for naught. A regular ray of sunshine, ain't I?! 7/10