As the Oscars rapidly approach, the sexy pick for Best Picture seems to be "Avatar", the latest film from James Cameron.  "Avatar" has made over a billion dollars worldwide but a movie that has made much, much less is looking to pull off the upset.

The movie, "The Hurt Locker", has made just over 12 million domestically and has recieved far less attention than Avatar but the critics love it and so do I.  I watched it the other night and was afraid to blink because I didn't want to miss anything.  The movie is dramatic, very intense and from everything I've read it's very realistic (I have no firsthand knowledge).  The acting is great, the story is compelling and it's well written and directed (Kathryn Bigelow).  If you haven't seen it, check out the trailer:

"The Hurt Locker" won Best Picture at the Producers Guild Awards (the other PGA) and the winner of that award has gone on to win the Oscar the past two years.  The movie has also won the Critics Choice Award for Best Picture.

The Oscar nominations come out on February 2nd and "Avatar" and "The Hurt Locker" should be the top two contenders.  Making the competition a bit more interesting between the two films, Kathryn Bigelow was once married to James Cameron.  Cat fight!

The last thing I have to say about "The Hurt Locker", WATCH IT!