IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH

Paul Haggis tackled the difficult topic of racism in America head-on and with a heavy hand in 2006 with the outstanding Oscar winning CRASH. In 2007, he takes on the war in Iraq with an equally direct and heavy handed approach. The results are mostly positive. Tommy Lee Jones carries the film on his shoulders with his usual powerful restraint. Susan Sarandon and Charlize Theron are also their usual high quality selves. The movie is a powerful statement on the absurdity of war. The film's last scene is an interesting one. An example of Haggis perhaps trying to hard...the contrived set-up to make an obvious statement is in some ways an insult to our intelligence. But then again... 3 1/2 of 5 hs