Powerful and gripping film that oozes tension and dread as we follow the soldiers of Bravo Company as they work to disarm IED’s in Iraq. Up and comer Jeremy Renner expertly portrays bomb expert William James, revealing that despite the ability to perform with machine-like skill under extreme duress in the field, he’s as human and as vulnerable as the rest of us. The “real” feel of this movie draws you in instantly and the filmmakers do a terrific job of capturing the feel of just how “foreign” things must feel for our American strangers in a strange land. Highly recommended. (2/18/2010)

The Hurt Locker is a more than worthy Oscar contender as well as one of the finest war films put to print. Widely regarded as the first "good" Iraqi War movie, the Hurt Locker follows an Army bomb squad through the trials and tribulations of their time in Iraq. The film lacks an overall narrative but it works since it relies so much on the characters. Incredibly tense scenes give you a glimpse into the terror these soldiers face every single day. As we explore the main character's behavior and the reactions of those around him, we're treated to some soulful acting and amazing camera work. It's readily apparent that a lot of detail went into creating this film and I was happy to see an absence of the wordy exposition and speeches that punctuates many war films. (2/22/2010)