The Hurt Locker follows the three members of bomb disposal unit Bravo during their last 38 days stationed in Baghdad. Their job? To defuse big scary bombs and not get blown up.

Now I’m not exactly a war movie enthusiast. I fell asleep during Private Ryan and my boyfriend would have to tie me to a chair and tape my eyes open to get me to watch an episode of Band of Brothers. However I am a fan of documentaries, and The Hurt Locker’s hand held camera style and focus on the psychological effects of war on each of the characters gives the film a sense of realism that is absolutely fascinating. Standout performance is by far Jeremy Renner who plays James, the Captain of Bravo and a total adrenaline junkie who often seems more interested in creating his next rush than keeping his team alive.

The film has a riveting and explosive (punny!) first hour, slows down a little in the middle and picks up again for a satisfying ending. Defiantly a good one to go see with the dude so you can snuggle up close during the suspense filled action sequences and mingle in a coffee shop afterwards in deep after-movie conversation. LAUREN VALENTINE