Not that there's anything wrong with that. Butterflies are weak and they're very beautiful. Babies are weak and cuddly and adorable. Weakness is not inherently a bad thing.
Also, trying to act strong just for the sake of acting strong can lead to all sorts of problems, just look at the Bush Administration.
But it is a fact that, if you don't go see The Hurt Locker, in a theater, this weekend, you are weak.
You're weak because though you've read that it's the most highly regarded film of the year, you still haven't bought a ticket.
You're weak because you think it'll be too "intense" or "heavy."
You're weak because you always, always knew Kathryn Bigalow was capable of making a cinematic masterpiece -- after all, this is the same woman who got amazing performances out of both Patrick Swayze AND Keanu Reeves in the same freakin movie -- and now she has actually gone and made that masterpiece and you're still not going.
You're weak because you're thinking "I can always watch it on DVD." even though you know it will be so much better in the theater. Frankly, you're only waiting for the DVD because you think it will be less intense at home. Because you're the sort who, if you'd had the chance, would have waited for Apocalypse Now to be available on your iPhone. It's just easier to watch intense stuff that way, right? You know it.
As far as I could tell, this was not a pro-war film or an anti-war film. I don't think it is going to further anyone's particular agenda. Maybe you sense that, maybe you're not interested in serious films that feature contemporary issues unless they somehow add fodder to your political arguments. Well, that's weak.
And, finally, you're weak because you're probably just thinking, "Isn't that a movie about Iraq? Ugh, I am so, so tired of Iraq."
Like any broad statement, there are exceptions. There are people who are not technically weak who have perfectly good reasons for not going to this movie. Exceptions can be made. But in general, what I'm talking about here is a scientific fact.
The Hurt Locker is a smart, well executed, captivating and enthralling, beautifully shot, brilliantly edited, well-acted adventure of a movie. It's a film that makes you believe in film. It's playing right now, nationwide, at theaters everywhere, but if you're too weak for that, well, that's fine. I understand. Really. No problem. You can always order High School Musical III from Netflix. I hear that's great.
They are all judged on how well do they get inside the heads of the guys on the ground. Does the movie show honesty as far as what combat does to those on the tip of the spear.
This movie earns its 4 stars. It gets it.
Its as good a combat movie as I have seen. While it deals with Iraq it trancends time and place.
Its honest.
And that is about the highest praise I can give it.
Sidenote: I participated in four combat tours, received two Purple Hearts as well as a Bronze Star for Valor in Combat.
I am sure that I will note many inaccuracies as well as the obligatory violent scenes; however, I will also note much truth and fact. I did not work EOD; I was a Ranger (read 'glorified door kicker').
I did see men ( including myself) rid themselves of body armor and forego carrying extra water in order to carry more ammunition. I saw men do magnificent things in order to protect their soldiers.
No matter any fabrication involved, I am sure there is much basis in truth in this film and I will be among the first to see it.
Shameless Plug: I was a 'closeted' gay man throughout my career. Very few of my fellow soldiers knew of this, and those who did couldn't have cared less. As a matter of fact, some of my fellow gay soldiers were some of the bravest and most fearless men I knew. The were magnificent medics, infantrymen and engineers ......Just another reason to rid our military of the ridiculous DADT policy that so many other countries have managed to do so without any issues or problems.
Sign me 'A Proud, Gay Veteran'
But right now its not playing within 50 miles of me. :( I just might have to gas up and make the trip though to see Jeremy. :)
Is this going to wide release at all?
Or busy.
Or are in the mood for something light.
Or aren't easily bullied by critics.
Or got enough of the war during the week.
Or just don't care.
Or are just plain offended by this article's bullying "If you don't share my tastes, you're WEAK" attitude, and decided not to go BECAUSE of this article when I might have gone if I hadn't read this. And I speak as someone who stood in line to see APOCALYPSE NOW at the Cinerama Dome the day it opened.
And for me to "know" that Bigalow "got amazing performances out of both Patrick Swayze AND Keanu Reeves" I would have to have put aside my "Never See Keanu Reeves Movies" rule, and overcome my resistance to seeing Patrick Swayze's movies (I've actually seen none of Mr. Swayze's movies), and overcome my extreme indifference to surfing movies (the last one I saw was 1964's RIDE THE WILD SURF), whereas the combination of all these elements means I have never seen POINT BREAK. In fact, I had to visit the IMDb to find out what movie you were referencing, where I found that Gary Busey was also in it, which makes four reasons I've never seen it.
I did see "K-19: The Widowmaker," which I rather liked.
But you can't bully me into seeing a movie. If you could, I would be weak indeed.
As for The Hurt Locker, is it really any surprise that it isn't making loads of dough? There's no giant explosion to finish off "the badguy." There is no badguy. I don't think Hollywood knows how to market this film, a character piece disguised as actioner. Loved it.
I guess I am weak.
This ain't about you.
I was so exhilarated from it that I actually blogged about:
http://balmer.typepad.com/keithsmooth/2009/07/the-hurt-locker-a-ticking-time-bomb-that-crackles-with-suspense.html
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.... It's da bomb !
sorry i had to.
Toby is right on the mark here. well said sir.
Heavy-handed and patronizing.
I know it would be great to have female auteur in Hollywood, but this isn't her.
And sorry - Point Break is no precursor of greatness.