The Hurt Locker Review

Messages: The movie isn't afraid to tackle tough questions without easy answers. If war is, in fact, hell, then why is it so exciting? If the United States' liberation of Iraq was so welcome, why do insurgents fill the streets with explosive devices? Why do the men of the Army's Explosive Ordinance Demolitions group choose to do this work? Are there abstract -- or real -- political goals worth giving one's life for?

Role models: The movie offers a complex portrait of the high-stakes work of volunteer Army and soldiers in Iraq -- and the characters consequently have many shades of gray. Are the men who do this work lunatics orheroes? Is there any "safe" way to defuse bombs in a war zone? Is thereckless work of Sgt. James the bravery of a championor the recklessness of a fool?

Violence: Extensive realistic war violence, including (but not limited to) explosions, shootings, fighting, and more. Characters are killed on-screen by bombs and wounded by bullets, dead bodies are seen (including one of a young boy that's intended to contain a bomb -- like a grisly Trojan Horse), and there's lots of blood.

Sex: Some crude jokes and references to sexual activity; mild cleavage.

Language: Strong language throughout, including "f--k" (and its variations), "s--t," "dick," "hell," "damn," "goddamn," "oh God," and more -- it's a realistic interpretation of the the vulgar, salty talk of soldiers in a combat zone.

Consumerism: Scenes set in grocery stores include some visible brands.

Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters smoke and also drink to excess in one scene.