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The Hurt Locker
The Hurt Locker Image
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Metascore
94 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 35 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 812 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Starring: Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty, Jeremy Renner
  • Summary: The Hurt Locker is an intense portrayal of elite soldiers who have one of the most dangerous jobs in the world: disarming bombs in the heat of combat. When a new sergeant, James, takes over a highly trained bomb disposal team amidst violent conflict, he surprises his two subordinates, Sanborn and Eldridge, by recklessly plunging them into a deadly game of urban combat. James behaves as if he's indifferent to death. As the men struggle to control their wild new leader, the city explodes into chaos, and James' true character reveals itself in a way that will change each man forever. (Summit Entertainment)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    100
    A great film, an intelligent film, a film shot clearly so that we know exactly who everybody is and where they are and what they're doing and why.
  2. Miami Herald
    Reviewed by: Rene Rodriguez
    100
    Like every war before it, the U.S. invasion of Iraq has generated its share of movies. But The Hurt Locker is the first of them that can properly be called a masterpiece.
  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Derek Elley
    60
    Boal's script stirs a little of everything into the pot, which boils down into seven setpieces divided by brief intervals of camaraderie/conflict among the three protags.

See all 35 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 199 out of 331
  2. Mixed: 34 out of 331
  3. Negative: 98 out of 331
  1. J
    10
    To all of you military types complaining that this movie wasn't realistic enough, it's not a documentary. It's a work of fiction. Period. The Hurt Locker isn't concerned with the nuts and bolts of making every tiny detail as 100% accurate as possible. If you want that, watch the Military Channel, or better yet go re-enlist and get shipped back over there if want an "authentic" experience. This is the first war movie in ages that paints its soldiers as real, complex people instead of cartoons or psychos, and all you can do is complain? Sheesh. Luckily, for the rest of us, this film will do just fine, because the enlightened viewer will realize that The Hurt Locker isn't about the details, but the big picture. It's a document of what a war like this means and how it affects the participants on both sides. It's neither pro-war nor anti-war, but instead just shows the ways things are without pronouncing judgment on its characters or their actions. It's also a showcase for some of the most impressive action and suspense set pieces to grace the cinema in a very long time. Hard, sharp, and honest, The Hurt Locker is one of the year's very best films. THAT'S the reality.… Expand
    • 10 of 13 users said yes
  2. JimmyR
    5
    This movie was average at best. To compare this with Platoon is a complete joke. I only gave it a 5 because of the last 15 min, best part of the movie. You dont even need to be in the military to see what crap most of this movie was, the sniper scene was hysterical, what were they doing out there to begin with? Why did they need to stay out in the sun all day? How long does it take to determine there is no more threat? All day I guess..LOL And the best, how is that guy so accurate with that sniper rifle..What BS..still laughing..hahaha.… Expand
    • 3 of 4 users said yes
  3. FranciscoA.
    2
    Very bad movie in deed... Un Accurate, bad plot, had a couple of great moments, but a suspense war TV movie all the way.
    • 3 of 3 users said yes

See all 331 User Reviews

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