The Hurt Locker - A-

In Iraq 2004, Sergeant Will James (Jeremy Renner) leads an Army bomb squad which also consists of the doubting newcomer Specialist Eldridge (Brian Geraghty) and a rational, by-the book Sergeant Sanborn (Anthony Mackie). James is new to the team and his aggressive, unpredictable style is unsettling. Their differences will be set aside in the heat of battle when lives are threatened. The 3 lead actors are relatively unknown, with only Renner sorta recognizable from The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. There are no preconceived notions about the actors and they give realistic, interesting performances. The 3 familiar actors (Guy Pearce, Ralph Fiennes, and David Morse) essentially have single scene extended cameos. They’re all memorable and exciting, and all provide some needed levity to the proceedings (especially Morse).Finally, we have a great Iraq War film, partly because it almost completely avoids politics, sticking to a tense film about what the men and women are going through over there. Unlike Three Kings which was filmed in Arizona, The Hurt Locker used Jordan as its filming location, and this gives a more authentic feel. Director Kathryn Bigelow paces the film beautifully and gives us one great action scene after another. Each one is unlike anything you’ve seen before. The scene of the year occurs when the guys are pinned down by snipers and Sanborn and James set aside their differences. Eldridge gets to redeem himself and Capri Suns are used for nourishment, implying the guys are just kids inside. Genius. Add some sand to the guys’ faces and some top-drawer cinematography and you have an instant classic scene.Renner is in nearly every scene and gives a remarkable performance, much more than a one-note adrenaline junkie. He’s just as good in a quiet scene with his infant son. The title comes from a box he keeps under his bunk and shows just how unusual, and yes, crazy, someone must be to do what he does, to like it, and to keep doing it. As unique as the film is, it’s can’t quite break completely from convention as some of the minor developments (the colonel doctor, some of the quick kills) are easily telegraphed. But these are minor quibbles in this first-rate film which is and will likely remain the defining Iraq War film for years to come. It may rise to a full "A" on 2nd viewing. Best film of the year so far. A-