Starring Tommy Lee Jones, Charlize Theron, Jason Patric, Susan Sarandon, James Franco, Josh Brolin
Written By: Paul Haggis
Directed By: Paul Haggis
Studio: Warner Bros
Buy on Amazon.com

I wasn’t even sure this movie came out in theaters but apparently it did, it just didn’t do too hot at the box office. I definitely think you should give this movie a viewing because it has an intriguing story, terrific acting and a star studded cast lead by Academy Award nominee Tommy Lee Jones.

In the Valley of Elah is about a young soldier that returns from Iraq and goes missing. His father Hank Deerfield, a former Vietnam era MP takes it upon on himself to get involved on what happened to his son. He believes the Army isn’t doing a good enough job with trying to find his son and drives to the military base he was last seen. He suggests to the Army that the local authorities take over the investigation since they might be able to find out what happened to his son Mike. There he meets a female police officer (Charlize Theron) on the case. Together, they slowly discover what really happened to Mike Deerfield over in Iraq & when he came back home.

The only thing I knew about this movie going into it was who was starring in it, and the movie was about a missing soldier. After seeing the movie, I think it’s a good drama that shows what might happen once you get back from your tour of duty in the war. I can’t imagine what soldiers go through over in Iraq, and how they can live with some of those things. I guess this movie is one extreme on what might happen after soldiers come back home.

I can see why Tommy Lee Jones was nominated for this role because he played the character really well. It wasn’t anything really new with him because he plays the same characters all the time, but maybe his time was just due to get another Academy Award nod. Susan Sarandon played Jones’ wife and she wasn’t on the screen for long, but certainly made an impression. Charlize Theron is becoming one of my favorite actresses and did another decent job with her role. She did look a little too pretty to be a cop but I guess she can’t help that.

If you like military/war dramas like A Few Good Men, Rules of Engagement and The Deer Hunter; then check out In The Valley of Elah. Tommy Lee Jones heads this all-star cast with excellent acting, plus this movie has an interesting story but it might not appeal to everyone. I’d recommend renting this before buying.

Features:
In The Valley Of Elah: After Iraq
In The Valley Of Elah: Coming Home
Additional Scene

Audio:
ENGLISH: Dolby Digital 5.1 CC
SPANISH: Dolby Digital 5.1
FRENCH: Dolby Digital 5.1

Video:
Widescreen 2.40:1 Color (Anamorphic)

Subtitles:
English, Spanish, French

Favorite Scenes:
Rating: R
Running Time: 121 minutes
Extras Rating:
Overall Rating: