Film Preview: In the Valley of Elah (2007)

Trailers (Due to age, may no longer be available)

Posters (Due to age, may no longer be available)

Poster Rating: C

Review: The poster only reinforces the patriotic claptrap that the film’s trailer promises. If the film isn’t overtly and unnecessarily patriotic then the poster gives the complete opposite message. Otherwise, it’s the perfect fit.

Trailer Rating: B

Review: Put me in the camp of Paul Haggis naysayers. I thought his Crash was mostly unbearable and Babel, while a decent film, was thematically uneven. However, looking at the preview of In the Valley of Elah, I must admit I’m intrigued. This doesn’t seem to flow with the self-important films of Haggis’ past and might be a return to something more akin to Million Dollar Baby, at least we can hope. However, it’s a very thin line Haggis has to walk to avoid tumbling into heavy handedness. We’ll see how this one turns out.

Oscar Prospects:

The Academy loves this guy. Why, I don’t know. Perhaps Eastwood’s treatment of his first script helped. Regardless, In the Valley of Elah is sure to be an Oscar contender with Tommy Lee Jones, Susan Sarandon and Charlize Theron all potential nominees.