The Hurt Locker: Why the fuss?

It's a decent film that starts off a bit like weak tea and then hits its stride as the fine lead actor [Jeremy Renner], and the director and script, starts to better flesh out his character.

It doesn't break any new ground, has the feel of a made-for-television morality play at times, and has a predictable story arc, and a gaggle of recycled stereotypical supporting characters that only underscore the hackneyed quality of the screenwriting.

Apparently there's a small but vocal group of military folks who object to inauthentic aspect of the narrative, but it's a movie, folks. Not a training film, not a documentary, not a recruiting tool or a military primer.

It will probably win a few Oscars, but not because it's great, but merely good, and in this season of sometimes hugely inept films (yes, I'm looking at you, The Hangover -- wretched), it stands out by being largely inoffensive and reasonably entertaining.