THE HURT LOCKER is so far the very best movie ever made about the Iraq War. It is also a strong contender for Best Picture at the Oscars this year as well. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film gets an awesome 97% rating from the polling of film critics. The film follows the heroism of a bomb disposal team in Iraq seeking to rid 2004 Baghdad of roadside bombs and other booby trap devices.

Capturing realistic war action, and courage under fire, members of an EOD(Explosive Ordinance Disposal) unit with only 38 days left on their current tour of duty, face some of their worst and most dangerous situations. Screenwriter Mark Boal based this story on his firsthand experiences he hand in Iraq working as a journalist following an elite bomb disposal team. What Boal penned was a very gritty and riveting tale, and the photographic style of this film reminds you of a journalistic vision of U.S. soldiers at very dangerous work. The film also well captures all of the anarchy and confusion of war, where you cannot tell your friend from foe, and potential danger lurks everywhere. U.S. soldiers are like policemen in the middle of a major security crisis, attempting to restore order to a complete chaos situation.

It doesn't matter what position you hold on the war itself, because you can't help but admire those like this bomb disposal unit who are saving lives by doing their very dangerous work. Those that plant bombs in the middle of civilian areas due to the religious tensions between the rival sects create a serious danger to civilian as well U.S. servicemen lives. And not everyone in Iraq likes the American presence despite this important peacekeeping duty.

THE HURT LOCKER is an extremely good film. It certainly deserves serious consideration for Best Picture this year, although AVATAR probably remains the public favorite.

The Bottom Line: An extremely good film for the most part with few faults. +++ 1/2(three and a half stars, or nearly excellent).