“Zero Dark Thirty” – movie review

          We know the story. I should say, we heard reports about what happened. “Zero Dark Thirty” takes you inside the killing of Osama bin Laden and all that led up to finding him. This process took the diligence of CIA operative, Maya, over a 10 year period. In the end, she was the only one of all the government personnel including the Navy S.E.A.L.S. on the project, who was completely convinced bin Laden would be found at the compound that was raided.

          “Zero Dark Thirty” is produced and directed by Kathryn Bigelow of “The Hurt Locker,” and the movie is up for a Best Picture Oscar. The film stars Jessica Chastain as Maya, the CIA operative, as well as Joel Edgerton and Chris Pratt as other geeky government types. These geeky types were also highly skilled at the art of torture for information, which I found disconcerting. I’ve never heard of any of these actors but their performances were convincing enough to make the film work well. Ms. Chastain is nominated for Best Actress for her performance.

          I wanted to see this inside look at a monumental operation. For that reason alone, I appreciated “Zero Dark Thirty.”  I don’t think this movie has a chance in heck of taking the Oscar from the other nominees in the Best Picture category. But it is worth seeing, even if you wait until it is released on DVD.

Three out of possible ticket stubs.