2 Days In The Valley

With the release of Charlize Theron's new action flick Atomic Blonde, I thought it would be a good time to take a look back at the film that put her on the map, 1996's 2 Days In The Valley.

The success of Pulp Fiction inspired a lot of knockoffs. Some were great and some weren't. Luckily 2 Days In The Valley falls in the great category. This doesn't feel like a knockoff of the Tarantino classic. It feels more like a mix of Pulp Fiction with Robert Altman's Short Cuts. I say that because this has a huge ensemble of characters whose lives intersect after a brutal murder takes place, giving it it's crime element, a la Pulp Fiction.

Theron, in her first major role, holds her own with this talented group of players that includes James Spader, Eric Stoltz, Jeff Daniels, Danny Aiello, Marsha Mason, Paul Mazursky, Teri Hatcher, and Glenne Headley. I also thought it was fitting to write about this movie since the super talented Headley passed away a few weeks ago.

I will admit that some of the storylines are more interesting the others. The one with Spader as a sadistic hitman and Theron as his tough as nails main squeeze, and Aiello's story as an over the hill mob killer who finds love with his more than willing hostage, Headley, are two that really hold the attention.

If I had any complaints it would probably be about the Jeff Daniels characters storyline. He plays a somewhat racist, angry, miserable cop whose character seems to disappear about halfway through the movie, making that story arc feel unfinished.

But other than that little complaint this is a near perfect film and a great showcase for Theron, Headley, and a really top notch cast.

It's available on dvd.