The Hurt Locker (2008)

When it comes to films depicting aspects of the War on Terror, the market is busy. Since 2003 a score of movies have been released which tackle the sensitive issues of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, with many failing to hit the mark. The Hurt Locker, however, manages to capture an intensity which surrounds the nature of the conflict, and focuses on one of the most terrifying aspects of the war, which is I.E.D's (Improvised Explosive Devices). The film follows a team of bomb disposal soldiers in Iraq, and their experiences with the Afghan people, as well as the relationship between the members of the team.

Kathryn Bigelow, director of Point Break (1991) and K-19 The Widowmaker (2002), directs a brilliant insight into the experience of soldiers in Iraq, and does not allow the audience a chance to catch their breath for most of the film. The movie moves around several different sights of bomb threats, and we see the choices that need to be made and the impact of those choices on the people involved. Aside from a distracting side plot of locating an Afghan boy's family, the film is spectacular, and I would recommend it as an excellent War on Terror film.

Other films in the War on Terror genre which are worthy of mention include: Lions For Lambs (2007), Rendition (2007), and Home of the Brave (2006), which all tackle aspects of the War in an intelligent manner. However, many of the War on Terror movies fail to reach a status of Greats. Unlike Vietnam, which has many excellent films depicting it's events, the War on Terror is yet to have an outstanding movie. This may be due to the fact that the War is still occurring, or that the events of more troubling to depict, however, I eagerly await a film which measures up to the likes of Platoon (1986) or Apocalypse Now (1979).

Tears of the Sun (2003)

Antoine Fuqua's devastating film, Tears of the Sun (2003), focuses on a civil war raging through Nigeria, in which a U.S. Navy team have been sent to rescue American national Dr. Kendricks. As the team, led by Lieutenant A. K. Waters (Bruce Willis), attempt to move Dr. Kendrick and her Nigerian patients to the Cameroon boder, they are pursued by the Rebel who are killing their way through the African land. The film balances a sensitive, emotional story with tense action that keeps you stuck to your chair.



The plight of Africa is a recurring theme for many filmmakers, and Fuqua has managed to create a movie that discussed many aspects of the continent's troubles. Issues such as child soldiers, tribal conflict, and the rules of war are brought to the surface, which can often be over-sentimentalized. However, Tears of the Sun manages to avoid an overly moralistic approach, and just displays the story with an almost cold detachment, which allows the audience to interact with the themes far more effectively. An example of this is Willis' character, whose determination to "get the job done" allows him to avoid getting attached to the suffering of those around him.



While the film focuses mainly on Africa's woes, it also makes insightful comments on the West, in particular America's intervention into international crises which, during the 1990s, was ineffective in comparison to the resources they held.



The film has several cheese moments (which seem inescapable in an American war film), but these are only few and far between. Fuqua has created a poignant and gutsy movie, which does not linger on the pointless details, but fires the issues straight into the audience's face.

The Men Who Stare At Goats (2009)

With an all-star cast, The Men Who Stare At Goats (2009) was full of promise to deliver an epic comedy with one of the wackiest plots. The story is of a journalist, played by Ewan McGreggor, in Iraq stumbling upon members of a secret division of the U.S. Army, known as the New Earth Army, who were handpicked for their psychic abilities. Unfortunately, director Grant Heslov fails to put together a coherent movie, and the twists and turns seem irrelevant and boring.

There are some very funny moments which make the film passable, however, these appear to rarely. George Clooney, who plays Lyn Cassady, one of the most skilled members of the New Earth Army, displays the best comedic performance, and is the most engaging character within the film.

The Men Who Stare At Goats is based on a book by Jon Ronson, released in 2004 with the same title, which describes the real-life research which the U.S. Army undertook to test New Age ideas on the battlefield. Techniques such as trying to run through walls or stare out the enemy were attempted, and this is where the comedy of the story lies.

While the quirky premise of the film appealed to me greatly, I was disappointed in the end with a mediocre production and a few less-than-average performances from seasoned actors who should deliver more. No wonder the New Earth Army never caught on.

Inception (2010)

Adding to his already impressive repertoire of recent films, Christopher Nolan has written and directed one of the most notable films of the year. Inception (2010) concerns itself with dreams, and the possibility of using someone's subconscious to alter their fate. The film is a visual feast of rich settings, striking action sequences, and some remarkable filming techniques, and the acting is pretty good too.

Leonardo Di Caprio is excellent as the lead role of Cobb, who is an expert dream invader, on one last mission. Of the performances within the film, the most notable is Ellen Page, who plays Ariadne, a talented, yet naive, dream architect. Her career to date has been impressive, and Inception promises to be a sign of extraordinary things to come.

Movie viewers should note that this is not a film to relax with, it is intelligent, deep, and lenghty. The storyline demands attention, and I feel at least a two-watch minimum. However, for those looking for a film worthy of a modern Cinema ticket price, Nolan has given you a film you can definitely sink your teeth into. The complexities, layers, and intrigue make this a lasting movie, and a summer Must See.

Avatar (2009)

With the re-release of James Cameron's Avatar (2009), cinema goers are being offered another chance to experience the enchanting world of Pandora. This begs the question: why again? An easy answer would be money, with Avatar becoming the highest grossing film ever (overtaking Cameron's 1997 blockbuster Titanic), however, the answer can more likely be found within the changes Cameron has made to the cinema experience.

With the plentiful supply of 3D films emerging in cinemas this year, such as The Hole 3D, Pirana 3D, and Clash of the Titans, the trail can easily be linked to Avatar's release, and massive success, earlier this year. The added dimension to the cinematic experience has created a new wave of excitement within the industry, and has ushered in a new age of film production. Three dimensional films are not new, and have existed within theme parks and other movie outlets for years, however, Cameron's exceptional artistry has been able to provide more than just the odd jump-out-of-your-seat scare. Avatar uses 3D to subtley enhance the visual experience of viewers, whilts maintaing a credible and authentic production.

The movie itself is excellent on a number of levels, including outstanding effects, brilliant directing, and imagery that will stay with you long after you leave the cinema. Critics have highlighted a few flaws within the film, such as a more than simplistic plot, and several shaky performances, however, the numbers speak for themselves.

The history books will remember Cameron's influence on the movie industry with Avatar, and it is clear why it should be re-released at cinemas. The year 2010 is undoubtedly Cameron's.