Actors have suited up for In the Valley of Elah, but so far viewers aren't saluting.
Politicians and pundits were noisy enough during the first four years of the U.S. occupation of Iraq, but apart from some activist actors, Hollywood was quiet; precious few major films appeared on the Middle East wars. This fall, though, there's a slew of American movies on the subject: In the Valley of Elah, The Kingdom, Rendition, Lions for Lambs and Redacted--and soon, Badland, Grace Is Gone and Charlie Wilson's War. Most are worthy; some feature Oscar-winning actors and directors. And so far, all show how tough it is to turn this war into edifying entertainment for the mass audience.
For one...
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