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| Movie Review: Gone Baby Gone Alternate Title: Black, White and Gray
Story: A child's abduction turns
out not to be as black and white as it first seems. Plot twists and
moral dilemmas run rampant in this crime - thriller - mystery adeptly
directed by first timer, Ben Affleck. The film is based
on the novel by Dennis Lehane (Mystic River)
with a screenplay by Ben Affleck and Aaron
Stockard. Private investigators Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro are hired to
augment the police in the home abduction of a child. The moral conundrums
start early on as we discover the child's mother is a vile woman, drug
user and surely not a poster Mom for the PTA. To tell more of the story
would reveal too much. Suffice it to say that the many plot twists involve
conspiracies, marginal cops, shootings and drugs. This is NOT the Boston
featured at the Cheers bar. The good news is that Ben Affleck probably has a richer career as a
director than actor ahead of him. The production values, cinematography,
angles and mood of the film are first rate. The final third of the film
comes at you fast and furious with some eye rolling revelations. Though
unbelievable at times, it is still fine entertainment nd worth your
time. Acting: Casey Affleck as Kenzie
shines in his first film as a leading man. He plays his conflicted part
well and Ben Affleck was right to use his brother in his first film.
Michelle Monaghan as the other private detective is
fine, if underused. She reminded me of the old pre-Cruise, Katie Holmes.
Amy Ryan was the wayward mother is terrific. Morgan
Freeman, Ed Harris, John Ashton, Amy Madigan, Titus Welliver, Madeline
O'Brien and Edi Gathegi round out a fine cast.
Predilection: None
Critters: Cats
Food: Steak in a restaurant (The Chart House) and
Peanuts in a bar.
Sex Spectrum: There is no sex shown but there is lots
of talk about pedophiles. Ugh!
Soundtrack: Music by Harry Gregson-Williams
was on target and added to the mood.
Opening Titles: Simple small type as we focus in
on the crime scene and family.
Visual Art: Oscar winning cinematographer John Toll
delivers a powerful visual statement throughout the film.
Theater Audience: Fairly crowded for midweek.
Sappy Factor: There is nothing sappy about child abductions.
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: The topic makes my skin crawl.
Drift Factor: I paid attention throughout but did
look at my watch after 90 minutes.
Predictability Level: After the plot twists started
to barrel at me I gave up predicting.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: No
Big Screen or Rental: I always prefer the big screen
but the same effect would be gotten from the big screen or the small
screen.
Length: Under two hours
LOBO HOWLS: 7
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