Controversial? Sure. Entertaining? Oh yeah

Rating: 8/10 (2 January 2013)

A chronicle of the hunt for Osama Bin Laden from the perspective of the CIA culminating with the raid by Navy SEALS? Yes, please. While this year's Act of Valor had the action and authenticity, Zero Dark Thirty brings the writing, pacing, and true story to the big screen, and it's one hell of a ride.
Relative unknown Jessica Chastain takes the lead as Maya, an abrasive and driven CIA agent that joins the search for those that are responsible for 9/11. Over the course of a decade, her grit and determination bring the ultimate goal within reach: finding enemy #1, Osama Bin Laden.
This movie is evidence that Kathryn Bigelow can continue to meet the high standard she set with 2008's The Hurt Locker. Even though the search takes place over a decade and there are many more setbacks than successes, Zero Dark Thirty keeps your attention throughout and has you on the edge of your seat for the gripping conclusion. The acting is superb; Chastain knocks it out of the park and the performances by Jason Clark and Kyle Chandler add a lot of depth (both of them should get more prominent roles in my opinion, especially Chandler). In the end, though, it's all about the story. With the book No Easy Day coming out last year, this story is already known to some, but it's always different to see it on the big screen. The fact is that Americans grew tired of wars that seemed to be producing no results, so it's a pretty big deal when our original target is finally eliminated. Whatever your political stance is, you have to respect how important this event was. The script was actually originally written before Bin Laden was killed (and was subsequently changed afterwards), so believe me when I say that this film isn't the waving of a victory flag. Instead, Zero Dark Thirty is a testament to how long and difficult the mission was.
The only real issues I had with this film are also something to be appreciated - the true story wasn't overly cinematic. I don't want to give anything away, but the end sequence just didn't feel as smooth as the rest of the movie. Go check it out and judge for yourself, though!
8/10