The Hurt Locker (2009)

It’s hard to tell if SFC William James (Jeremy Renner) has an addiction to adrenaline or if his cocky attitude is a coping mechanism. As part of the U.S. Army’s explosive ordanance disposal team, James lives on the edge. After his first foray into the city, the rest of the team is beginning to wonder if they will survive the countdown to going home.

The tension found inside The Hurt Locker is the kind that makes your pace the floor. It’s also what makes this film mezmerizing. Apolitical and essentially devoid of a soundtrack, the film focuses on the sights and sounds as it applies to James. Thus I don’t think it is particularly accurate judging by how well rounded the IED-diffusing trio is.  I didn't know the bomb squad moonlights as snipers.

Renner’s performance is tight, but ultimately his character is an enigma.You're never quite sure what makes him tick, nor does director Kathryn Bigelow seems to bother with key elements that would make these characters more relatable. We get shallow looks into internal conflicts, personalities, and Army life that often seem cliché.

As I see it, The Hurt Locker wouldn’t get my vote for Best Picture. But it is an interesting war drama that is worthy of viewing.  Cameos by Ralph Fiennes and Guy Pierce are cool.