In the Valley of Elah

In the Valley of Elah (Tommy Lee Jones, Charlize Theron, Susan Sarandon) – At its heart, this is a well-acted, depressing anti-war movie that shines a light on the psychological effects military service can play on idealist kids who are forced to see and do despicable things in the name of freedom.  Tommy Lee Jones plays the retired military investigator whose son goes AWOL and turns up dead after returning home from his tour of duty.  The return was unbeknownst to the father or mother (played to grieving perfection by the anti-war, anti-Bush activist Sarandon in an almost cameo-brief performance).  Once the body is found – chopped up, burned and mutilated – the movie becomes a crime drama pitting the local police against their military counterparts in the army town.  A rookie investigator, played well by the talented Charlize Theron in an understated performance, adopts the case despite the doubts and with the derision of her sexist colleagues.  Working with the skilled former investigator/father, she uncovers key clues to the soldier’s death.  Painful as it is for the father to find out the horrible truths about his son’s life and his son’s death, the mystery comes to an almost inevitable conclusion.  This is a fine film that will find only a minimal audience due to its somewhat limited release, and its obvious political message.  It will get some Oscar buzz since it was written by Hollywood’s premier writer/director, Paul Haggis, who penned Oscar winners Million Dollar Baby and Crash (which he also directed).  It may not be Oscar worthy, but it is well worth your time and money.