The Hurt Locker

Just about the only thing scarier than being in Iraq, is being the guy in Iraq whose job it is to defuse Improvised Explosive Devices. This film follows the final forty days of a tour of duty of three such men. The film takes place pre-surge, when things were ostensibly a lot worse than they are now, and there were a lot more IEDs to worry about. The team is led by Sgt. James, played by Jeremy Renner, and he's the gung-ho guy of the group; he actually seems to love his job. Sgt. Sanborn, played by Anthony Mackie is the level-headed team member who's afraid that Sgt. James' "cowboy" heroics will get them all killed. Rounding out the team is Specialist Eldridge, played by Brian Geraghty, and he's scared, and convinced that he won't live to finish his forty days. Sgt. James is the team member who actually disassembles the IEDs, and the other two team members watch over him with rifles ready to pick off any sniper who tries to prevent him from finishing his task. As Sgt. James goes about it, you realize that it's the bystanders in the apartments overlooking the bomb site who are at least as dangerous as the bomb itself. Anyone of these people armed only with a cell phone can cause the death of all involved. This film did an excellent job of putting the viewer in the middle of the action, and conveying what it might be like to fight in the war in Iraq. The fear, oppressive heat, and never-ending tension are a constant throughout. I felt this same tension just watching the film, and of course my life was never on the line. The actors all do a fine job, although Mr. Renner is a real stand-out. One thing I would have liked to see though is a little explanation as to what made these guys volunteer for this type of duty. I would think that just being in combat in Iraq would be enough of an adrenaline rush for anyone. I know that just watching it did it for me.

Rating - 3 Stars