© Summit Entertainment
Earlier this week, a certain film critic posted an article listing his top ten favorite movies of this past summer. If this particular critic had seen The Hurt Locker this past summer, there is no doubt it would have made that top ten as it is not only above some mere seasonal classification, it is easily one of the best films of the year. Starting this weekend, you can check it out at Red River Theatres.
Jeremy Renner plays Sergeant First Class William James, a bomb tech for the Army. He's one of the best there is in his position but more than that, he's addicted to the thrill that comes with it. He feeds on the stress that would cause others to run in the other direction and often ignores protocol while getting his fix. Renner is mesmerizing as James; the emotion of every situation he's in plays out in his eyes yet still keeps them concealed from everyone else, including his EOD team members. He is a big part of what makes The Hurt Locker work and deserves to be nominated when award season rolls around.
Speaking of team members, as Sergeant J.T. Sanborn, Anthony Mackie deserves special recognition as one of the members of Bravo Company. He gives an excellent performance as the soldier trying to reign in James and his inability to do things by the book. Though that proves to be unsuccessful most of the time, that is what ends up causing the audience to identify with him in the midst of all the intensity that surrounds them. Mackie definitely deserves some supporting acting recognition for this film.
But above all else, the person who is most responsible for making The Hurt Locker what it is is director Kathryn Bigelow. She's been making movies since the late 80s and in her assured hands, she makes a hugely entertaining action film with real human emotion that grips the audience instead of turning it into a soapbox for or against the war in Iraq. Throwing in pointless political rhetoric would have been a huge distraction in an otherwise great movie. If this film doesn't get a best picture nomination and Bigelow doesn't get noticed for best direction, then there is officially no justice. This movie is as good as you've heard, believe the hype.
For an enhanced experience, be sure to see The Hurt Locker at Red River Theatres this coming Wednesday, September 9 at 6:30 where after the film has been shown, a discussion will be held with Sergeant Andy Parsons, Commander of the New Hampshire State Police Bomb Squad.
Comments
I don't know if I'm happier about the fact that summer's not officially over yet (I wanted 500 Days of it at least!) or that this film would not only make your list, but perhaps even top it as well. Think I may return to RRT to see it again on Wednesday. I'd like to hear what the local commander of the bomb squad has to say about it...and what goes on locally.
I have to imagine that being a bomb squad tech in NH has to be one of the more boring careers. Unless we never hear anything about bomb threats or scares in the granite state, there's probably just a lot of sitting around going on.
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