"Zero Dark Thirty''

A huge achievement from both technical and storytelling perspectives. Following the Oscar success of "The Hurt Locker,'' director Kathryn Bigelow reteams with writer Mark Boal to tell an even larger and more complicated story: the decade-long hunt for Osama bun Laden. The attention to detail, to getting it right each step of the way, is evident in every element. And Jessica Chastain is relentless and self-possessed in a rare leading role as a young CIA officer on the case.

By AP Movie Critic Christy Lemire.

Credit: Sony Pictures