MESSAGE IN THE MOVIES

The Hurt Locker Rated R

Directed by Kathryn Bigelow.  Starring Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie



Photo ©Summit Entertainment
Movie Review by Rev. Bruce Batchelor Glader

War is a perplexing thing. 

I have heard many vets tell me that once you return home from war, you pray that you will never have to fight another one.  And yet, in the midst of battle, the adrenaline rush kicks in and combat can seem somewhat exciting.  When you are fighting against insurgents in a city filled with innocent civilians, things become even more complicated.

The Hurt Locker is a brilliant film about our current war in Iraq, set during the early years of American occupation.  It tells the story of a team of specialists who defuse bombs (mostly hidden) while snipers try to pick them off.  Sgt. William James (Renner) is the best in the business and, assisted by Sgt. J. T. Sanborn (Mackie) answers the call to duty. 

The Hurt Locker contains several tense set-pieces centered on the disarming of explosive devices.  When Sgt. James becomes emotionally connected with a victim of a bombing, he finds his abilities compromised.  That’s what happens when war becomes personal. 

This is one of the best films of the year and I think it will be considered a classic war film in years to come.  It is entertaining, suspenseful, and morally centered.   If you can handle a little swearing and some inevitable bloodshed, you will discover a great movie.

Pitchfork Rating:
Four halos. (A thought-provoking meditation on war that is also a terrific suspense film.)
Two picthforks. (Intense war violence and pervasive rough language.)

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