Memorable, crazy movie

From my favorite movies..

Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.

I didn’t really have many expectations going into the movie (good or bad), but I actually really enjoyed it. I really liked the characters and the banter between them.

Released in 2007 and directed & written by Paul Haggis, "In the Valley of Elah" is a crime drama/mystery inspired by the real-life case of Richard T. Davis. The story revolves around an elderly Tennessee couple (Tommy Lee Jones & Susan Sarandon) who get word that their son has gone missing from his base in New Mexico shortly after his return from Iraq. A retired military investigator, Hank Deerfield (Jones) goes to the base to find out the awful truth. Charlize Theron plays the civilian detective near the base who tries to help Hank while Jason Patric plays the Army counterpart. Josh Brolin is on hand as the town police chief. This is a slow-burn mystery highlighted by great acting by the principles, especially Jones, and a thoroughly realistic story, which isn't surprising seeing as how it's based on true events. Speaking of which, I was surprised to find out that the basic details of the story are all accurate. The actual events took place in the Fort Benning area of Georgia rather than the fictitious Fort Rudd, NM.The movie's not anti-Iraq War, but rather anti-PTSD; it merely reveals the awful truth about war in general: When we send our young men off to far-off lands where brutal warfare is normal they can bring that desensitized mentality back with them where the barbaric behavior that might be acceptable in war is anything but normal or conducive to a successful life, to say the least. Add the idiocy of alcohol abuse to the mix of PTSD and the results almost certainly WON'T be good. The title refers to the valley where David, as a teen, fought and defeated the utterly intimidating Goliath from 1 Samuel 17. ADDITIONAL ACTORS: James Franco, Wes Chatham, Jake McLaughlin, Mehcad Brooks and Roman Arabia play soldiers who knew Deerfield's son while Frances Fisher has a curious cameo (you'll know what I mean).The film runs 121 minutes and was shot in Whiteville, Tennessee, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, with Morocco substituting for Iraq.GRADE: B

This was an excellent movie. Captivating and emotional from beginning to end and affecting me so that it's left me thinking about it for days afterwards -always the sign of a good movie. Its primarily a straight-ahead crime story but also an anti-war statement showing how war changes soldiers forever and turns some into animals.The cast is fantastic, lead in a brilliant performance from Tommy Lee Jones as a Vietnam war vet and career serviceman who goes on a quest to find his soldier son who disappears after returning from a tour of duty in Iraq. Charlize Theron is also very good as a local police detective fighting her way out of the "boys club" to find the truth.There are several other big names in small roles including Susan Sarandon who is powerful as Mike's grief stricken mother, showing a lot of emotion with very little. I was actually surprised by the stars included in such small roles including (Frances Fisher, Jake McLaughlin, James Franco, Jason Patric, Josh Brolin) they either wanted to be attached to the anti-war statement or work with director Paul Haggis.The movie does become increasingly gloomy and is also violently graphic at times. The mystery aspect was well played out as I never did figure out who done it and when that finally came to light wow...Despite liking this movie so much I was left with several unanswered questions including why does the guy hang himself, why did he have the watch and what was the purpose of Mike sending his dad the folded flag? I also could have done without the "for the children" image at the end.The upside down American flag was brilliant and desperately sad depicting as Hank explains early in the movie that an upside down flag signifies distress. America is in distress. 11/16/15

This movie deals with the serious business of war and what it does to people.It also deals with the anguish of parents, and how they try to deal with loss. When all is gone and there seems no point carrying on.As well as this there is the military and how it deals with its image and the fragility of the men it must use.The ex military father tries to find the truth behind his sons death. Despite him feeling he could do a better job than the police. Even he is caught out by the truth.The movie is slow, and serious, and even disturbing at times. However, it always keeps you interested, and is a good watch; if you are in the right mood for it.

This movie is SO boring! The plot has some intense moments, but mostly just long awkward silences with the actors staring at each other with blank stares or doing the thousand yard stare off into the distance. The score for this film is like 4 keys on a piano played at a snails pace. Ding.... bomm.....ding.... bomm..... If I hadn't drank a cup of coffee I would have fallen asleep watching this movie. This movie really is 2 hours of long pointless periods of emptiness, interspersed with slow conversations. I can appreciate a pause for effect as you reveal another revelation in the plot, but this is too much. They walk into a restaurant, pause as the camera pans for 60 seconds. They walk out into the parking lot and sit in the car. Stare off into the distance for 30 seconds. There's nothing to digest, no plot development, just them sitting there.... not talking... The pace was so slow it was actually annoying. Unless you have nothing better to do with your time, and you've already watched every other movie, you should pass on this one.