I had seen a review for this on 'At The Movies' over a year ago. The critics raved about it and it seemed like a great story to tell. Too bad it took me a year to finally see it. It delivers.

Its the story of a bomb disposal team in Iraq. When the ground forces capture a sector, the bomb team is called in to disarm any suspicious looking items, several of which turn out to be booby traps. In the first few minutes you get a look at a team that is all about caution; take it slow, be safe and go back to base to wait for the next call. Twenty minutes into the film the team changes up a bit and the new leader plays it fast and loose, using his time with the bombs to feed his adrenaline addiction. The lead actors, most of whom have had smaller supporting roles in movies you've probably seen, step up to the plate as leads, and the tension everytime they approach an unknown, literally explosive situation, will leave you holding your breath or biting nails off.

Not a war movie in the strictest sense, 'The Hurt Locker' trades the major battle sequences of 'Saving Private Ryan' for the tension of a taut cat and mouse thriller.

I found the marketing to be a bit funny but in the end truthful. Its billed as 'A near perfect movie', and I agree. 4.5 stars. Rent it now, or better yet OWN IT ON BLU-RAY!