In the Valley of Elah
Metascore
65 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
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  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    100
    Paul Haggis' In the Valley of Elah is built on Tommy Lee Jones' persona, and that is why it works so well. The same material could have been banal or routine with an actor trying to be "earnest" and "sincere."
  2. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Tamara Straus
    100
    For the most part it is an effective, disturbing and - a rarity for Haggis - subtle exploration of the stateside war story.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Owen Gleiberman
    100
    It's the first Hollywood Iraq movie to remind me of a Vietnam film like Coming Home, and it does more than disturb. It scalds, moves, and heals.
  4. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Michael Rechtshaffen
    90
    A deeply reflective, quietly powerful work that is as timely as it is moving.
  5. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Michael Phillips
    88
    Tommy Lee Jones is marvelous in the film. He has one scene in particular, a simple two-person encounter, that's as good as it gets in the realm of American screen acting.
  6. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Lou Lumenick
    88
    Theron is very good as a woman struggling for respect in a sexist environment. There are also small but telling performances by Susan Sarandon as Hank's worried wife, and Frances Fisher as a topless bartender who aids in the investigation.
  7. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Claudia Puig
    88
    A rare blend of emotional content and intelligent material that makes it simultaneously gut-wrenching and thought-provoking.
  8. Portland Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Shawn Levy
    83
    Transcends politics and forces us to consider just what it is we ask of young people who answer the call to duty.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.2 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 62 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 32
  3. Negative: 5 out of 32
  1. LanceD.
    2
    Intriguing yet disappointing. Haggis did not explore Tommy Jones realization that his "good boy" son had morphed into a man performing unspeakable deeds while serving in an Army which he had influenced his son to join. The ending with the flag and the school janitor made me LOL so hard. It was so indignant and ungrateful to our troops and country. I have completely lost hope for Hollywood drama movies. If they cannot realize that the problem is the PRODUCT and not the buyers for the slumping movie industry than they are truly disconnected and have a mental disease. Enough with the Anti-America, Anti-War, Anti-Republican movies. We get it, Hollywood is overflowing with liberals.… Full Review »
  2. CydneyB.
    5
    Except for Tommy Lee Jones' performance, this is a predictable piece of Hollywood schlock. Treachly music at end... Charlize Theron is just plain boring, and Susan Sarandon is wasted. What a snore.… Full Review »
  3. Tss5078
    10
    In The Valley of Elah is a true story, that follows the disappearance and murder of a solider, recently returning home from Iraq. Tommy Lee Jones plays that soldiers father, a retired Military Police Officer, who launches his own investigation, and he continues to be the best actor I've ever seen. Jones rightfully received an Academy Award Nomination for this role and really should have won. No matter the film, no matter if it's good or bad, Jones simply steals the show and makes it work. Charlize Theron was also terrific as the Detective who wanted to solve the case that nobody else wanted. In most things I've seen her in, I didn't like her, but here her performance actually rivals Jones's. This film is extremely well written and very methodical. If The Valley of Elah can't keep your attention and have you on the edge of seat, talking to the screen, than nothing else will. This is honestly one of the best written, acted, and important films I've seen in a very long time. This one's going on the must see list and you will defiantly not be disappointed!… Full Review »
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