In the Valley of Elah [2007] Movie Reviews on CinemaClock

With "In the Valley of Elah", the Oscar race is officially on!!! Canada's Paul Haggis has penned yet another Oscar-worthy script (having already made the Oscar trip with Million Dollar Baby and Crash) The story is meant as both a drama "whodunnit" and a reflection piece on the war in Iraq. Although the overall pace of the movie is slower than Haggis' multiple Oscar-winning Crash, it is still an excellent movie, thanks to excellent writing (including top-notch dialogue) and excellent performances by Tommy Lee Jones, Charlize Theron, and Susan Sarandon. Leaving the movie theatre, you can't help but discuss the movie and it's themes, which is always what Paul Haggis aims for. I think it's a safe bet that this movie will receive numerous Oscar nominations, and deservedly so: Tommy Lee Jones for lead actor, Susan Sarandon for supporting actress, Haggis amd co-writer for screenplay, Haggis for director, and a best picture nomination. With many more Oscar worthy movies hitting theatres in the weeks to come," In the Valley of Elah" leads the pack. A solid 9/10, for several reasons.