A starring vehicle obviously tailored for Tommy Lee Jones, In the Valley of Elah is a standout among the slew of recent movies themed around the Iraq War and its aftereffects. Jones plays Vietnam vet Hank Deerfield, a proud and patriotic Tennessee laborer who reacts impulsively to a call from the Army that his son Mike, just back from a tour in Iraq, has gone AWOL from his squad at Fort Rudd. After driving down to the military base and receiving a lot of doubletalk, Hank begins his own investigation, putting him at odds with both military and civilian authorities. Director and co-writer Paul Haggis (Crash) elicits subtle, perceptive performances not only from Jones, but also from Charlize Theron (playing a local homicide detective), Jason Patric (a military policeman), and Susan Sarandon (Deerfield's wife), among others. In the Valley of Elah isn't an easy movie to watch, and many viewers will find the plot's resolution unsatisfying, even though it makes perfect sense within the context of the situation Haggis has created. Even those who are disappointed, however, would mostly likely admit that they've just seen a powerful and affecting movie. Recommended. [Note: DVD extras include the “After Iraq” and “Coming Home” production featurettes (43 min. total), an additional scene (8 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a thought-provoking film.] (E. Hulse)
In the Valley of Elah
Warner, 121 min., R, DVD: $27.98, Feb. 19 Volume 23, Issue 2
In the Valley of Elah
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