Zero Dark Thirty

Zero Dark Thirty

Rated R and Released 1/11/13

Reviewed 1/12/13 at Celebration Cinema Carousel in Muskegon, MI

with Gary and Denny

4 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

Based on the actual events leading to the killing of Osama bin Laden (OBL),

this movie is long at 157 minutes but very worth it to the end. This is up for numerous Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actress. Jessica Chastain was amazing and I am rooting for her. The other actors were overshadowed by her strong performance, but most notable are Kyle Chandler and James Gandolfini. My dad thought it seemed to portray the story accurately and gave it 4 Js while Gary thought it was a 4 1/2, as he doesn't see long movies as a negative like I do.

It will be a relief to many that this movie does not dwell on the political statements that are easy targets for Hollywood. Starting out slightly slow while building momentum, stick with the movie to the end and you will leave in awe. Don't dwell on the names and places that are riddled off, as it is cloudy on whether it is a person or a location they are referring to. That coupled with the few confusing scenes early on is why it scored lower in the "understood story" category. Chastain plays Maya, a CIA operative on her nine year quest to bring those behind 9/11 to justice which ultimately includes OBL. Maya is brought to the Middle East as a recruit and is acclimated with the hunt for terrorists across Afghanistan and Pakistan. There is no one else better for the job. When she began with the CIA, water boarding and other controversial methods were at the forefront. Towards the end of the story, and a different administration, changes in interrogation tied the hands of the CIA and they had little to use to obtain information. Whether you agree with this or not, there is much to ponder about the tactics and limitations of those closest to the war on terror. Maya is not deterred after faced with one setback after another. The last 1/3 of the movie really kicks in and this is not the time for a bathroom break. Even though we all know the ending, it is thrilling to the end. You should leave feeling indebted to those who serve and protect us, the seen and unseen. We should all be thankful for May 2, 2011, and to the bravery of Navy SEAL Team Six!

QUIET Rating system:

Quality: JJJJj

Understood story:  JJJj

Interest: JJJJj

Entertainment:  JJJJ

Time:  JJJJ