Crime and Comedy Collide in LA Tale

Read Time:3 Minute, 29 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
2 Days in the Valley
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Genre: Comedy, Crime, Thriller
Year Released: 1996, 2023 Kino Lorber Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 45m
Director(s): John Herzfeld
Writer(s): John Herzfeld
Cast: Teri Hatcher, Charlize Theron, Jeff Daniels, James Spader, Danny Aiello, Eric Stoltz, Keith Carradine, Glenne Headly, Marsha Mason, Peter Horton, Paul Mazursky, Greg Cruttwell, Louise Fletcher, Austin Pendleton, Lawrence Tierney, Michael Jai White
Where To Watch: available November 14, 2023; pre-order here www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Come along and explore the bustling streets and hidden corners of Los Angeles; 2 DAYS IN THE VALLEY presents a narrative rich in drama and dark wit. John Herzfeld directs this compelling mosaic of interlinked stories with a vision, balancing the essence of crime thrillers with a touch of dark comedy. It's a cinematic excursion that offers more than surface-level entertainment, capturing the pulsating life of LA and its diverse inhabitants.

James Spader, portraying the central character, Lee Woods, steers the plot through a series of events that ripple through the lives of an ensemble cast. From the disheartened director, Teddy Peppers (Paul Mazursky), to the duo of vice cops Wes Taylor (Eric Stoltz) and Alvin Strayer (Jeff Daniels,) each character paints a vivid stroke on this sprawling canvas of urban life. Herzfeld's blend of television and film techniques crafts a unique visual narrative, although occasionally it drifts towards the realm of clichés.

While stylized, the film's visual storytelling, particularly its treatment of violence, sometimes skims over the potential for deeper exploration of its ramifications, softening the impact on character development. Despite this, the film’s natural allure lies in exploring the characters' psyches, delving into their inner turmoil and aspirations. Herzfeld’s ability to weave these complex emotional journeys is commendable, although there is room for a more in-depth exploration. I would love to see what an unrated version of this film was like; I have to imagine that Herzfeld had darker stories in mind with this narrative.

The performances of the ensemble cast, especially Danny Aiello, Teri Hatcher, and Charlize Theron, bring a dynamic energy and depth to the film. They inhabit their roles with a realism that anchors the film’s more striking elements. However, the script doesn't always do justice to its characters, particularly the women, whose narratives sometimes lack the same depth as their male counterparts.

2 DAYS IN THE VALLEY, while expertly capturing the multifaceted nature of Los Angeles, occasionally needs to realize its ambitious narrative fully. The climax, while engaging, steers towards predictability, tying up the film's multiple threads in a conventional bow.

2 DAYS IN THE VALLEY is a vibrant exploration of Los Angeles, stitching together a tapestry of stories that reflect the city’s complex soul. While it doesn’t quite scale the heights of cinematic greatness, it’s a notable contribution to the genre, capturing the spirit of LA and its inhabitants with a blend of grit and elegance. This film offers a window into the city's heart, portraying its characters with realism and flair, making it a captivating watch.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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