Review: Zero Dark Thirty

There are movies that stand out for their topics, others for the performances within, some for their special effects, for their genre, or simply because they are entertaining. "ZERO DARK THIRTY" stands out for being unpredictable even when we all know how the story will play out.

Kathryn Bigelow returns to the director's chair with her new film about the worldwide hunt of the most wanted man in the world: Usama Bin Laden.

If you saw her movie "THE HURT LOCKER (THL)", winner of Best Picture at the Oscars a few years ago, then you'll know she has the necessary knowledge to make a fine military film (you may agree or disagree that THL was or wasn't entertaining but most will admit that a different side of war was successfully exposed and that not many have had the courage to show).

With "ZERO DARK THIRTY (ZDT)" Bigelow takes a huge step in becoming an even better director. The audience is aware of what the movie is about and not because they have seen the trailers months prior, but because the narrative is practically flawless. The tension grows with every sequence and never lets go; an amazing direction by the director.

In the main roll of 'Maya' is 'Jessica Chastain' (The Help, The tree of life, amongst some) who did a terrific job with a very complicated character to play. She is nominated for an Oscar on the Lead Actress category and even though Jennifer Lawrence is our favorite to win, if Jessica pulls the upset, we won't complain at all.

In technical aspects- the editing has a few tweaks here and there, but for the most part is pretty good. The cinematography is gorgeous! The film's biggest flaw is the art direction, which in our humble opinion failed more than it should have. There are some very impressive things (we can't tell you what for spoiler issues) but some others are a bit disappointing.

Finally- the sequence at the climax of the movie is worth the ticket prize on its own. That is all we are going to tell you.

All in all it is a film that has to be appreciated in all its glory from beginning to end. An excellent movie to enjoy before Sunday night's Academy Awards.