In the Valley of Elah (2007)
Often my movie reviews contain warnings for children, but sometimes it’s necessary to give a warning to parents. Just as In the Bedroom is not a movie I recommend parents to watch, In the Valley of Elah should be considered very carefully before parents decide to rent it. Tommy Lee Jones stars as a father told his son has gone missing after his unit has returned stateside from Iraq. Tommy packs a bag and goes off to search for him before his status changes to AWOL, leaving wife Susan Sarandon at home and in the dark. If you have a child, regardless of whether that child has ever put on a uniform, I urge you to proceed with caution. Watch the preview and realize it’s only going to get worse from there.
I’ve seen many upsetting movies, but this one has stuck with me through the years. The story is all the more upsetting because it was based on a true incident, and because our veterans are not often given the help they need and deserve. More movies are bringing this issue to light, so if you’re looking for a tamer drama with a similar theme, check out Thank You for Your Service. This is a necessary topic of conversation, and with such a heavy topic, it’s to be expected that the performances will be emotionally fueled and impacting. There is one particular scene I believe could have been less gruesome, but all in all, In the Valley of Elah is a top-notch drama with a powerful message. Included in the supporting cast are Charlize Theron, Jason Patric, Josh Brolin, James Franco, Jonathan Tucker, and Frances Fisher.
DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. There are handheld camera sections during the home movies, and that will make you sick. In other words, “Don’t Look, Mom!”
Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, due to disturbing content and violence, I wouldn’t let my kids watch it.
More James Franco movies here!
More Susan Sarandon movies here!
I’ve seen many upsetting movies, but this one has stuck with me through the years. The story is all the more upsetting because it was based on a true incident, and because our veterans are not often given the help they need and deserve. More movies are bringing this issue to light, so if you’re looking for a tamer drama with a similar theme, check out Thank You for Your Service. This is a necessary topic of conversation, and with such a heavy topic, it’s to be expected that the performances will be emotionally fueled and impacting. There is one particular scene I believe could have been less gruesome, but all in all, In the Valley of Elah is a top-notch drama with a powerful message. Included in the supporting cast are Charlize Theron, Jason Patric, Josh Brolin, James Franco, Jonathan Tucker, and Frances Fisher.
DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. There are handheld camera sections during the home movies, and that will make you sick. In other words, “Don’t Look, Mom!”
Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, due to disturbing content and violence, I wouldn’t let my kids watch it.
More James Franco movies here!
More Susan Sarandon movies here!