Film “The Hurt Locker” Kathryn Bigelow
“The Hurt Locker” has been getting an extraordinary amount of praise ever since it started making the rounds at film festivals early last year. Critics everywhere have been throwing around words like “masterpiece” and “perfect,” some have even gone so far as to declare it the best movie on military life since “Full Metal Jacket.” And while I do in fact disagree with the extreme amount of praise being heaped on the film it is pretty darn good.
There have been numerous films based on the ongoing war in Iraq but not a single one has been a commercial or critical success. “The Hurt Locker” changes that. Following a three man EOD squad during their combat deployment in Iraq as they move from mission to mission disarming I.E.D’s (improvised explosive device), “The Hurt Locker” is filled with suspense and explosive action.
What sets this film so far apart from previous Iraq war films is how it legitimately takes no political stance and does not preach or aim for melodramatics. It has a very matter-of-fact tone to it. They disarm bombs, they try not to die, they try not kill each other. It is that simple, yet it gets your heart racing due to top notch direction and acting.
While it may not be the greatest war movie of our time it is still well worth the two hours.
Book “Band of Brothers” Stephen E. Ambrose
They are called the Greatest Generation for a reason, and in “Band of Brothers” we find out why. Stephen E. Ambrose chronicles the lives of Easy Company in the 101st Airborne during World War II. Through years of research and interviews with the surviving members of Easy Company, Ambrose takes us through their basic training, to D-Day, to the Battle of the Bulge and finally to wars end.
Anyone with an interest in history will easily take a liking to Ambrose’s book but those disheartened by long dry historical texts need not worry. Ambrose’s book is as dramatic and exciting as the HBO miniseries it spawned.
As far as historical accounts of World War II go “Band of Brothers” is peerless. As it takes you into the lives of the men of Easy Company you feel as if you know them on a personal level. You grow with them as they experience war, death and tragedy like we could never imagine.
Music “Robbers and Cowards” The Cold War Kids
The Cold War Kids may have been the hipster band of the week a couple of years ago, and as the hipster band of the week they were quickly discarded after something new came along but forget about what the smelly kids with tight jeans and bad hair cuts say, The Cold War Kids rock.
Their debut album is something wholly awesome, a mix of southern soul music, church revival and indie rock. TCWK seem to inhabit a world where it is still 1947.
The star of the show here is singer Nathan Willett whose voice will be the very first thing that makes you notice this band. With his soulful and often incredibly high voice Willett spins tales of vagrants, alcoholics, gamblers and thieves. These story songs will captivate you and transport you to a world of never do wells in the deep south in a time long ago. Standouts on the album are “Hang Me Up to Dry” and “Hospital Beds”
The Ashland Independent Film Festival preview event will be held March 4 at 4:00 p.m. in the Meesse Auditorium, located in the Art Building. The event is free.
