2 Days in the Valley (Widescreen Edition)

Buy This Item 2 Days in the Valley (Widescreen Edition) by Hbo Home Video  Available from Amazon  $9.98  on 11-16-2008     Overlooked in theaters but gaining a modest cult following in video release, writer-director John Herzfeld's underrated <i>2 Days in the Valley</i> has a lot going for it, not the least being a variety of interesting characters played by a superb ensemble cast. The complex plot centers on a mild-mannered hit man (Danny Aiello) who is hired by an icy killer (James Spader) to assist him on his latest job. Eric Stoltz and Jeff Daniels play the vice cops who stumble on the murder scene. Their investigation leads to a colorful array of San Fernando Valley denizens, including a has-been director (played by director Paul Mazursky) and a snobbish art dealer (Greg Cruttwell) whose lives come together in unexpected and interesting ways. Emphasizing characters that consistently hold our attention with humor and poignant desire, this clever thriller fits nicely into the eccentric category of "Only in California." <i>--Jeff Shannon</i> Reader Reviews This is one of the films that you either get or don't. In my view, it is extremely successful in creating an atmosphere all its own, much like magical realism but about gangsters and difficult, outrageously ambitious, but frustrated people. The plot is a contract killing that leads to, shall we say, unforeseen complications that cause a number of lives to intersect and change. What is so funny and moving about the film is that you can believe it, at least while you are watching it. Then there is the acting, which is uniformly excellent. Of course, there is the introduction of Charlize Theron, whose talent is evident from the beginning; her murderous fist fight with Hatcher is classic. But the emotional center of the film is Aiello, who is a failed hit-man-turned-pizza chef, trying to get back in the money. All of the characters change during the film, making new connections, seeing their lives differently, finally going for it. This is truly masterful and it is a pity it does not have a wider audience. Warmly recommended.

2 Days in the Valley (Widescreen Edition) Available from Amazon Price: $9.98 Updated on 11-16-2008.

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