Preview: The Hurt Locker (2009)

Synopsis:

The story of a bomb-defusing expert and his tour of duty in Iraq.

• Poster: B-

Review:

Although the poster is not in English, there's little reason not to believe that the U.S. poster will be the same. While the colors and image selection are quite in line with the film's, the most evocative aspect is that it's a bomb on a poster that could be plastered on walls, which isn't something that happens very frequently and, in some countries, would be banned.

• Trailer: B+

Review:

It looks like a promising film. After Dahmer, I had thought Jeremy Renner would do some fantastic work in the future. Sadly, he followed that up with S.W.A.T., so I had given up hope. Not only does he look really good in this movie, but the movie itself looks like it may be far more competent and interesting than most of the Iraq-set anti-war films of recent years.

Oscar Prospects:

It releases in June, but strong box office and critical support could easily push it towards year-end recognition, especially if the award-winning novel comes off well on the screen. Renner, of course, would lead the way to nominations, but could easily earn a nod even if the film did not.

Release Date:

• June 26, 2009

Full Review Synopsis:

A tense, occasionally meandering story about bomb defusers in Iraq.

• Full Review: The Hurt Locker

-Wesley Lovell (April 19, 2009) Original

-Wesley Lovell (July 12, 2009) New Poster; Buy the Poster Enabled

-Wesley Lovell (April 4, 2010) Added Review Link