 | |
List Price: $14.98 | | Label: Paramount
Salesrank: 18513
Released: November 20, 2007 |
| Our Price: $7.95 |
| Used Price: $4.75 |
|
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted) Media: DVD |
|
Editorial Review:
In a sleepy bedroom community of LA's San Fernando Valley, the murder of a professional athlete by two hit men sets into motion a chain of events that puts the mundane lives of a dozen residents on a collision course. This clever tale tells the story of two hit men, a mistress, a nurse, a vindictive ex-wife, a wealthy art dealer and his lovelorn assistant, a suicidal writer and his dog, and a bitter cop and his partner.
Description of 2 Days in the Valley:
Overlooked in theaters but gaining a modest cult following in video release, writer-director John Herzfeld's underrated 2 Days in the Valley 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." --Jeff Shannon
2 Days in the Valley Reviews:
2 Days In The Valley 
2008-10-31 - Awesome movie. I don't know why this one never made the BIG TIME. Delivered as promised in a speedy fashion. I would do business with again!
on the knife edge of realism and comedy 
2008-03-09 - 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 
2008-03-02 - My husban and I enjoyed this picture. Very glad the we bought it.
D Holbrook
Great Price for used dvds. 
2007-11-22 - Awesome movie! I gave it four stars because it reminds me sort of like pulp fiction. Great plot to the story line would most definitly recommend people to buy this film!
Captures the Essence of the Valley 
2007-09-05 - I loved this movie not for the plot or the familiar landmarks, but for nailing the essence of the valley - a place where people from all walks of life come together, all of them strange. The scene in the park where the failed movie producer runs into an old colleague happens all the time. The SFV tried to secede from LA not too long ago, but in fact it left the planet long before that. It's a place of has-beens and never-was's, of second chances and not quite getting there. For example, in the movie, the big score was $30,000 plus life insurance, not the millions in jewels people normally kill for. The only cop who tries to do it by the book is later kicked off the force for being deranged. I happen to like it here, I guess that says something about me, and I think the movie captures the campy quirkiness of the place perfectly, right down to the air conditioner breaking on the hottest day of the year.