The Hurt Locker [DVD] [2008]

Rated by NeuroSplicer, Freeside, in geosynchronous orbit on 4th June 2010

Usually success is a combination of talent, hard work and luck. Then again, a movie like this gets the Best Picture Oscar and one can only wonder: did the members of the Academy vote FOR this movie or against James Cameron? Sure, his arrogance did not make things easy; then again, one should not underestimate envy and spite as human motivation. Inaccuracies and obvious mistakes run rampant; the Saving Private Ryan -wannabe camera shakes you into nausea; the plot line is abandoned in the sand again and again and (what is worse) there is absolutely nothing waiting at the end. No catharsis, no message, no moral, no closure. Nothing. Platoon marked the Vietnam war not only with its realism and its ability to paint all the shades of moral ambiguity but also because because it had the guts to send a clear political message. THE HURT LOCKER offers only a deafening silence on all these aspects. It presents this war, with some of the sacrifices and atrocities it entails, as inevitable and expected. Its message is "don't ask, we are not going to tell you why either". And self-censorship is the worse kind of censorship. This is Hollywood at its worse. A spineless pseudo-documentary masquerading as an art movie. A cowardly film trying to capitalize on the stories of brave men thrown into unwinnable war. A film made by errand boys, sent by grocery clerks, to make sure the bill of blood is being paid in full. Again and again. Pass. With extreme prejudice.

Rated by A. Moffatt on 5th April 2010

Having seen all the reviews, I was looking forward to this film, but it disappointed. I felt no involvement with the characters, and felt it was more like a "documentary". By the end the overall emotion was, "so what?" which is strange as that doesn't reflect what I feel about the people who actually do this job for real.

Rated by His Three Calls to Cormac on 5th June 2010

I saw The Hurt Locker out of mild interest. I wanted to think it was a masterpiece of a war film, but honestly, its no where near as good as the critics say it is. The 'plot' is a bit to sporadic for my taste, not that i think films need to have a straight plot, but i feel that the plot of this film is to spread out, although i do like the individual assignments. I feel that most of my disappointment comes from the hype of it being highly intense when i found the scene with the suicide bomber to be the only truly intense moment. I thought that the characters weren't well formed enough or even that interesting. Over all, there were moments that were great examples of what this film could be but in total these were to few and far between for a 2 hours and 11 minuet film such as this. The Hurt Locker isn't terrible, its just disappointing and quite over hyped. That isn't to say you won't like, just rent it first.

Rated by Krystie Maddox-lue, England on 28th March 2010

Never done a customer review before, but after reading some of these stupid reviews I couldn't not. These people obviously don't know what a good film is. If you're impressed by those cliched Hollywood big blockbusters like Avatar (weak storyline, basically Pocahontas - best thing about it is the SFX) and District 9 (just a terrible film) then granted, no, you may not like this film. It's not a film with a big Hollywood ending - in fact, first time you watch it, it seems like a bit of an anti-climax - but that's all part of the brilliance. (Furthermore, what kind of ending would you have liked for a film about a war that's on-going?) The plot line of the film follows Sgt. William James through his work with an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) unit, witnessing their work through a daily basis, over the period of 31 days. This is not, however, the underlying story. The film is the story of one man's dangerous obsession with war, James is shown to be a man addicted to the thrill of the job - surely the most dangerous thing to be in that situation? As those around him begin to crack under the pressure of army life James only grows in enthusiasm, however, when his time at the front comes to an end (after a particularly harrowing failed mission) he's sent home for a months respite. This is a key part of the story because it's the only time we see our hero begin to crack under pressure, the pressure of average, everyday surburban family life. This is rounded off with a touching father, son moment, when James talks to his infant son (the only person he knows will neither judge him for his thoughts, nor repeat them to anyone else, being unable) and admits that there's only one thing he loves and is good at: war. It's an incredibly sad revelation, and though it simply highlights something that, by then, the audience already knew, it showcases the overall desensitization of the character; and that's something that many people will be able to relate to. There are parts I felt could've been improved slightly, the above mentioned part could've been extended somewhat and the characters were, at times, slightly flimsy (for want of a better word) some more background information could've improved on this, but it could just of easily have destroyed the feel of the film. Part of it's beauty is that the three main characters don't really 'open up', yet we clearly see the moments of self-doubt, personal turmoil, and bear witness to the injuries and fatalities - on both sides. However despite these hardships the unit simply get on with the task at hand, because that's what a solder does. In many ways this film feels a lot closer to reality because of, not despite, it's apparent 'faults', and the unit could be any unit in any of the armed forces. This is a story not about heroes, but of men, put in a heroes position and how they deal with it - with particular attention paid to one sergeant - William James. This isn't as good as say Apocalypse Now or Platoon (both awesome Vietnam war films) but then it's not trying to be. This film's fantastic because it's raw, the stuff that happens in the film is happening now in Iraq (yes I realise it's dramatised) and rather than being like any other over the top war film this is giving you the real-deal. A film not to be missed, believe me, much better than avatar too!

Rated by B. Tamlyn, Essex UK on 5th April 2010

Having seen The Hurt Locker on blu-ray (the only way movies should now be viewed!) I have to say I was disappointed with the final product. It has been billed as one of the greatest war movies ever (as stated on the case front). Great war movies conjure up images of Saving Private Ryan, Schindlers List, Von Ryans Express (gotta love it) and even Heartbreak Ridge (ok the last one is not really a war movie but I do think it's awesome) The Hurt Locker does to some degree live up-to this but falls short rather quickly and predictably. After watching it through twice, I'm struggling to see how this was the Oscar Winner for best picture. The story however, of what life is to be a bomb disposal expert and the unity (if at times strained) between soldiers during these times is very good. You do get a feel that the main character (Jeremy Renner) has become hollow and has no fear of death, while the rest of his team watch in disbelief as he takes of his bomb protection suit or just casually walks down the road with a pistol in his hand. I could see early on that Sgt William James was designed for his role and would not be happy in the normal world, even with all the terrible things that would happen directly and indirectly. Hurt Locker sadly stalls about 45 minutes in, as it repeats the previous scenes in a slightly different way with what I believe to be some added "horrors of war" scenes to help the movie reach its climax and for the character to dig himself out of this hole where he begins to appreciate life again. Many have said that Hurt Locker shows the frailty of the human condition but I found it hard to connect. If it's just a good ol' war movie with guns and explosions your're looking for, there's not really much. But then again this is more of a suspense film surrounded by war and to the Hurt Lockers credit, the bomb disposal scenes are very enjoyable. Special Effects/Production is excellent with some amazing explosions and street scenes, however after we have all been exposed to the news so heavily these days, Hurt Locker did have a Hollywood shine to it and has been criticised for this. Seeing Jeremy Renners character walk through the streets almost oblivious to the carnage that had gone before or was about to occur was portrayed well as he is desensitised after so long in the field, but this did begin to feel 80's action hero at times. What I absolutely detested about The Hurt Locker was the final scenes. Not for the way in which they were filmed but the musical scoring. It ruined the whole experience and the feel a soldier within Modern Warfare has. It cheapened it and was not fitting. Naturally the conversion to blu-ray is exquisite, has the same extras that you would expect but nothing to get excited about. I would like to had of seen something about bomb disposal experts on the extras (documentary style) but this has not been thought of. I would say it's best to wait for a lower price of the Hurt Locker, certainly on blu-ray, as a DVD shelf filler but its only worth a watch. At least for me this was how I felt at the end. This is simply my opinion. I hope it has helped in any decision you make concerning the Hurt Locker, but it is always worth checking some of the 5 star reviews.

Rated by A. Vine, UK on 15th April 2010

I awaited this film with much excitement. Kathryn Bigelow has directed many great films Near Dark and Point Break being two of the standout ones. But this film is overrated, the actors do a good job but it feels disjointed especially the British Forces section in the middle. If you are interested in an authentic Gulf War II drama then buy Generation Kill which is brilliant.

Rated by D. G. Whittaker, Leeds, England on 8th March 2010

Having read the glut of positive reviews this movie had received, I was ready for a real modern war masterpiece, perhaps a 'Platoon' or 'Full Metal Jacket' for the Iraq conflict. Unfortunately, 'The Hurt Locker' doesn't deliver on anywhere near that level. This is the weakest movie to win major honours at the Oscars I have ever seen. First of all, although it achieves a realistic feel and atmosphere, there is little or no meaningful character development in this movie, making it nearly impossible to empathise or engage with the characters, whom it is indeed hard to differentiate from one another (strike one is the script). a particularly weak scene sees the jar head protagonists taking turns to throw drunken, macho stomach punches at each other, during which we discover, well...nothing about them at all. Secondly, there is a distinct lack of plot; the story lurches and meanders from one bomb disposal scene to another rather similar one, which (not unlike the principal characters) are difficult to tell apart, and all of which seem to take place on the same desolate street. Don't expect a satisfying problem -twist - resolution story arc here; the film simply stops, very abruptly, mainly because it doesn't appear to have anywhere interesting to go. In fact, there is very little story whatsoever; the film plays more like a docu-drama than narrative fiction, but one which lacks strong, memorable characters. The film does briefly liven up, during a tense sniper scene featuring Ralph Fiennes (who plays a cardboard cut-out Brit), but its a brief rally in an otherwise deeply forgettable movie. In conclusion, 'Hurt Locker' seems to have won the Oscar for Best worthily-themed Film not featuring blue aliens; the Academy Awards, notoriously conservative and anti sci-fi, have remained true to form again. The Hurt Locker is truly a mediocre film, particlualry in terms of script, plot and chiefly characterization; daft though it was, even Inglourious Basterds would have been a worthier winner - at least you could detect a pulse in that from time to time.

Rated by A. Stanton, Hampshire, UK on 12th April 2010

Like everyone I bought this film because of the hype, but is it justified? It's gritty, I like the fact it's filmed handheld it gives the illusion of being part of the film, rather than just watching. Basically we watch a rotation of a bomb disposal team in their everyday activities. All the main characters (Renner, Mackie & Geraghty) develop well, as I watched I found myself caring more. I'm not going to lie being a girl I identified with Geraghty as he struggled with the psychology of war, it's definitely something I would struggle myself. This film was hyped because it was brave enough to tackle to topic of why soldiers go to war and why they want to do their job, it was fascinating to watch even if slow at points. It's got three cameos by Pearce, Fiennes & Lilly, it's a very clever way to get people watching relatively an unknown main cast. Will you like it? It's worth a look, I think it very much depends what you were expecting in the first place! If you're in doubt rent or borrow from a friend.

Rated by Denton, UK on 3rd March 2010

This is one of the worst, dullest films I have ever had the misfortune to watch. I have so many criticisms I don't even know where to start - here's a few. 1) It's very boring and predictable. The simple message of desensitisation and mistrust gets tired after the first reel. 2) I've seen better made TV movies - a lot better made. 3) So many scenes are utterly ridiculous - from the opening where they send a robot, towing a toy wooden cart, (cruddy wheel included) to disarm a bomb. Even a toddler would notice the cart was completely inadequate for the job. The film goes downhill from that point in. It's not profound, just pointless and completely void of plot or characterisation, but mainly, just stupid and gung ho U.S.A style jock mentality. A crack team of complete cowboys waltz around Iraq completely unguarded, master sniper techniques in .04 secs, which even the Brit mercenaries who've been trained at the specific task, fail at (The Brits are all obviously useless so get killed). There's also a sequence where the main character is running (unguarded again) through insurgent streets, at night, with an effing caving torch blazing on his head....A TORCH! that's like wearing a neon sign while running through vietcong territory in Nam. COME ON! I found the constant...oh yeah Huey choppers too???...the constant barrage of completely unrealistic scenario's mind boggling. 4) If the lead character existed in a real war scenario his side would stay well away from him, then, never let him near a populated civilian area, with a bomb in it, ever again, possibly even have him sectioned. And nothing happens...yes maybe war is oppressive to the point you shut down emotionally and at the end of the day there's no happy ending it's just back to another day in the war zone...but almost nothing happens or develops for well over 2hrs then the film ends. That's not deep and thought provoking, it's tedious because there's nothing more than one very simple message. 5) A film can only be tense if you care about the main characters. The acting and characters are so dull and wooden that empathising with them on any level is almost impossible. 6) There's no emotional core whatsoever. They have tried to wedge one in midway, but it's more shock value and too late to bring you onto the side of the reckless buffoon of a protagonist. 7) Here's the biggy - THIS FILM HAS NO PLOT!!! It's meandering waffle, a collection of disjointed fantasy war scenes. I'm literally stunned that anyone can sit through this and come to the conclusion it was good. It's poor on every level. I would even go as far as to say, this is one of the worst films I've ever seen. The lovies and critics will love it, sure, most Oscar winning films of late have been utter tripe. Films are always subjective of course, so come to your own conclusions. The Directing - now that's even worse. Bigelow shot 100 minutes of film for every 1 minute used. This is perhaps the best example of 'point and hope' directing ever, not an indicator of skill. I'm no Avatar fan, but every leaf of every tree and every single shot was crafted, storyboarded and planned. Not only that, James Cameron spent 9 years developing the technology. It's akin to when George Lucas developed ILM which now aids 99% of films. Most films contain lots of CGI. Avatar has opened a new dimension for cinema to explore and that alone is exciting and massively commendable - It's a landmark film without a shadow of a doubt. After a while, when directors have dreamt up an toyed with many new techniques, Citizen Kane style, film lovers are in for some treats. It's just a shame Cameron didn't develop and equally unique story to marry up with the technology.

Rated by D. Horobin on 5th April 2010

Very surprised that this film beat Avatar in all the award categories, so had to see it for myself. On the downside I did wonder whether it was another US sop about PR for their efforts in Iraq, or whether it was a truly wondeful realistic film about life and efforts in fighting a war. Unfortunately it is far too much of the former for me. IMHO yet another US patriotism film, that is not worthy of its status in the awards or reviews. So dissappointing in my opinion.