Gone Baby Gone
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Movie Reviews of Gone Baby Gone
Movie Review: Another Win For a Boston Team: The Afflecks
Summary: 5 Stars
It seems as though Boston has taken on a life of its own. Perhaps it is the fact that we are home to the indisputably best baseball, football and basketball teams but there is something else that intrigues the rest of the nation about Boston. Maybe it's the fact that those not from here find the accent intriguing, maybe they yearn for seafood right off of the boat or maybe its that the historic appeal of the city reminds us of our American heritage.
But filmmakers now see Boston as an interesting location to highlight in films, as well. One need not think back any further than The Departed to have images of what Boston is all about: a sort of rough and tumble blue collar city with a set of characters that will never be forgotten. One might say that Boston has a way of never being gone.
But what if one of Boston's own children goes missing? Does the same rough and gruff blue collar nature not care as much as suburbia? Or does Boston respond the same way as the rest of the country?
Written and directed by hometown hero Ben Affleck, Gone Baby Gone, based upon a book by Dennis Lehane, is a rather decent film that focuses on a child gone missing and the resulting search and lengths that go into the case.
The film stars Ben's brother Casey Affleck as Patrick Kenzie, a private investigator hired by the aunt and uncle of a young girl from Dorchester that has gone missing. Though Kenzie typically does not work these kinds of cases, he persuades his partner and love interest Angie Gennaro (Michelle Monaghan) to take on this case due to the emotional pull anyone would feel when a child goes missing.
Kenzie and Gennaro are quickly brought up to speed about the case by Capt. Jack Doyle of the Boston Police Department and he grants his assurances that the PI's hired by the family to help out on this case will have the full cooperation of the Boston Police Department. The lead detective investigating the case for the BDP is Det. Remy Bressant (Ed Harris).
Bressant at first seems hesitant about the entire operation that now has civilian PI's joining him in tracking down the potential kidnapper that has stolen the child. What Kenzie and Gennaro believe to have had happened is that a Haitian drug kingpin of the Boston area may have kidnapped the child due to the fact that the child's mother Helen McCready (Amy Ryan) may have scammed money from the drug dealer in a drug delivery deal gone bad.
Though it seems at times that Kenzie and Gennaro are on the right track in terms of tracking down the alleged kidnapper, a series of unforeseen subsequent actions always seems to get in the way of their work.
What finally comes about in terms of the resolution of the kidnapping certainly is quite unforeseen and is a well crafted and interesting twist to the rest of the story.
Although the film is directed by Boston native Ben Affleck, it is unforunate that the rest of the cast at times seems to have missed the entire Boston accent. There are times when the accent seems spot on and other times in which the accent sounds nothing like what the accent of Boston truly is.
The one thing that disappointed me about this film is that there seems to be a misconception that the Boston accent has an inherently built in propensity to throw in random profanities the same way as we might forget to pronounce our "R's" correctly. The language in the film seems to be a bit over the top and not overly necessary.
Being from the Boston area, it was nice to see that a great deal of the film was in fact filmed on location and did indeed show several recongizable sites around the greater Boston area. The picture quality in this film seemed spot on and highlighted the neighborhoods depicted in the film brilliantly.
Amy Ryan, who played the role of the missing girl's mother was a 2008 Nominee for Best Actress in a Supporting Role and rightfully deserved such a nomination. Ryan played the role of the oft strung out junkie mom quite well and seemed to embody the role that she was cast for nicely.
Gone Baby Gone certainly is a film that warrants being watched and thanks largely due to the interesting storyline at hand is a rather riveting watch. The movie fits nicely into the premise that no matter what Bostonians might do, they always do it well.
Movie Review: The Brothers Affleck successfully bring another Dennis Lehane crime novel to the big screen
Summary: 5 Stars
Casey Affleck is having a great year in the movies, what with his Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" and his stellar performance in "Gone Baby Gone." I think Affleck would have been a shoe-in for the Oscar for the former role (it really is the lead part in the film, much more so than Brad Pitt's Jesse James), if he were not up against Javier Bardem's performance in "No Country for Old Men," but arguable what he does in the latter film is of more importance for his career because two points define a line segment. Casey Affleck can do more than broadly drawn character comedy and here is the proof.
It does not take long watching "Gone Baby Gone" to be reminded of "Mystic River," another crime thriller set in Boston, which is not surprising since both novels were written by Dennis Lehane. The key difference is that "Gone Baby Gone" is the fourth of (to date) five novels by Lehane about the private investigator team of Patrick Kenzie (Affleck) and Angie Gennaro (Michelle Monaghan). Their area of specialization is tracking down missing people, which is to say deadbeat dads and the like. So when they are approached by Bea McCready (Amy Madigan) and her husband Lionel (Titus Welliver), about helping in the investigation regarding their missing niece, Amanda, the two PIs feel they are in over their head. But a little girl from the neighborhood is missing, and they want to do what they can to help. After all, Bea thinks a couple of locals can get do a better job of digging around Dorchester for answers. It does not take long for them to find out this is not going to be an easy case.
This is especially true because Amanda's mother, Helene McCready (the Oscar nominated Amy Ryan), turns out to have been a pathetic figure long before her daughter disappeared. When Kenzie and Gennaro find out what her particular package of problems happens to be, they start looking at the case in a whole new light, trying to make sense of it all in time to save the little girl. No more need be said about the plot and if this is not enough to persuade you to check out the film then notice that the supporting cast includes Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris, and John Ashton. Anytime Freeman or Harris make a movie I am inclined to check it out when it is released on DVD, so having both of them in the film is a really good sign that this one might be something special.
I really liked this movie (a lot more than last year's Best Picture winner "The Departed"), although I wonder if I had an advantage during the opening act because I already knew that Casey Affleck act having seen his other big movie of 2008. If you keep thinking about the bratty kid from "Good Will Hunting" and lesser fare then it might take you a while to accept Affleck carrying the heavy load, although Monaghan, his character's "better half," is providing ample support along the way. Because older brother Ben both directed the film and co-wrote the script with Aaron Stockard, there is a tendency to think that the first-time director is looking out for his little brother. But to be fair, this movie works because the Afflecks have a high regard for the Boston in which they grew up, and they are just being true to their neighborhood. You do not need to listen to the commentary track by the director and his co-writer to know this is the case, because there is ample evidence on the screen. I suppose there is no particular motivations for the Afflecks to do another one of novels in this series for the big screen, but it would be nice given how well they did on this one.
Movie Review: Forces the viewer to confront the realities of moral and ethical questions - which side are you on?
Summary: 5 Stars
This isn't an easy film to watch but it is one of the year's stunners and I am shocked that it didn't get more attention when it came to the Oscar nominations. While I loved it for many reasons, not the least of which was a breakout performance by Casey Affleck, I'd have to say one of the most powerful aspects of this movie may be exactly the thing that turns so many viewers off- it takes a long, hard look at the moral complexities of life and the difficulty in doing the "right" thing and making the best choice, especially when it comes to children and their rights.
Some people think that Casey Affleck, playing a young private investigator, comes across as rigidly moral and ethical, especially towards the end of the film. I think differently. All though the film, you can see him struggling with his anger, which threatens to overwhelm him (and does, at points) and his conscience as well as his religious values. More than once, he brings up what his priest would say about certain situations. Some things don't "rest easy" with him. And yet he has trouble figuring out why and how best to address his ambivalence. He can't seem to fathom the deepest ramifications of his decisions, to see clearly the potential for harm even when one is trying to do good.
The movie revolves around the kidnapping of a child, her drug-addicted and inattentive mother and some private investigators who work with the police to try and find the child.
Affleck's on-screen partner and lover, played by Angela Monaghan, almost steals the show and I think she was an important counterpart to Affleck's role, even though he is clearly meant to be the lead actor.
Where he is often rigid in his opinions, she relates to people on a gut level and senses what is truly right and what could lead to more serious consequences. I found her compassion, heart and way of relating to people to be very compelling and moving.
There is a key part of the movie where she doesn't hesitate to risk her life, leaving the men around her stunned at her nerve - and leaving me awed as well.
The message I got? When one's beliefs are truly integrated with one's heart, then there is no hesitation during even life-threatening moments. Monaghan was willing to put her life on the line to try and save a child. At the end of the film, I believe she still felt that way and had come to a very different conclusion about how to do that than her partner. Watch it and see what you think - and why the lead characters made the choices they did.
There are some parts of the film that may confuse and baffle viewers so I'll warn you right now about those:
1. THe language and plot. Graphic, often bloody, full of every curse word you could imagine. Not one for the kids to watch. The dirty and seamier side of life is shown, in all its ugliness. People in this one are hard and some are permanently ungrounded.
2. The mumbling and often inarticulate accents of the characters. This was not a distraction for me but it was for some of our friends. Those with even minor hearing issues may have a problem.
3. The confusing plot line. It was NOT confusing for me to follow but I did watch the film three times. I'd also read the book. There are a lot of twists and turns in this film. Viewers have to stay alert and need to care about hanging in there. The film can drag in some parts.
Even with all the potential pitfalls for viewers, I highly recommend Gone, Baby, Gone. It pushes viewers to think about what they'd do in a difficult situation. It raises questions and inspires debate. Finally, it reveals what brings couples together and the types of issues that can separate them irrevocably, based on one decision. The decision, of course, is not a minor one.
Movie Review: Ben Affleck's Resurrection
Summary: 5 Stars
After the very public dissolution of his relationship with Jennifer Lopez and the critical and commercial flop of their film Gigli, Ben Affleck wisely adopted a low profile, taking on modest character roles in films like Hollywoodland (Widescreen Edition) and Smokin' Aces (Widescreen Edition) and decided to go behind the camera, directing his first feature film, Gone Baby Gone. Affleck plays to his strengths by making it in his hometown of Boston and casting his little brother Casey in the lead role.
Along with The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Casey Affleck finally moves into the spotlight with these two high profile film roles. He demonstrates what a good investigator Patrick is by the way he interacts with people, gaining their confidence and trust with an unassuming, easy-going nature. Affleck brings a perceptive intelligence to the role. Patrick is a cool customer who knows how to talk his way out of tense situations. Affleck also has a quiet intensity and an affable charm which is always interesting to watch.
Ben Affleck keeps things close to home for his first directorial effort. He is also smart with his direction. Affleck doesn't try to get too fancy with camera angles or movements and remembers that the story is the most important thing. The fact that he respects the story makes him a good storyteller. Affleck draws us in with an intriguing premise and then lets the story do its thing.
Affleck has done an excellent job and has gotten really good performances out of the entire cast. If he ever decides to give up acting, he'll have a promising career as a director. Like Mystic River (Three-Disc Collector's Edition), Gone Baby Gone wrestles with a complicated moral dilemma and leaves it up to us to decide if the right decision was made by the protagonist.
"Going Home: Behind the Scenes with Ben Affleck" takes a look at Affleck's approach to making the film. Dennis Lehane and co-screenwriter Aaron Stockard talk briefly about adapting the book. The film's themes are mentioned and what they mean to those involved.
Also included are six deleted with optional commentary by director and co-screenwriter Ben Affleck and screenwriter Aaron Stockard. There is a longer version of the opening credits sequence that shows Patrick and Angie at work and establishes their skill as investigators. There is a little more about Angie's past and we also see the intimacy of their relationship. Affleck talks about why this footage was cut.
"Capturing Authenticity: Casting Gone Baby Gone." Affleck shot in real communities and cast the people who lived there as extras. He talks about casting his brother in the film and what he brought to the role. Other key cast members talk about what drew them to the film.
Finally, there is an audio commentary by Affleck and Stockard. Affleck points out that the opening credits sequence, with its shots of actual people who lived in the neighbourhood, sets the tone for the rest of the film. He wanted a realistic look with no stylish filters, camerawork, etc. There are several lulls in the commentary but when Affleck does speak (and he tends to dominate), he imparts plenty of information and filming anecdotes.
Movie Review: Ben Affleck SHOULD quit his day-job...and direct!!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a confident and assured directing-debut for Ben Affleck. He has proven to be a good screenwriter (he co-wrote this one, as well as the Oscar-winning script to GOOD WILL HUNTING), but has been prett spotty as an actor. Sometimes his choices were poor and sometimes his performances too. He is obviously very intelligent and capable...but that doesn't always come through in his performances.
With GONE BABY GONE, filmed in Affleck's beloved and familiar Boston...he has established himself as an outstanding director. There aren't any fancy tricks or special-effects here. Just an understanding of how to set mood and how to give good actors space to operate.
The movie (based on the novel by Dennis Lenhane, who also wrote MYSTIC RIVER) tells the story of two low-rent private eyes (Casey Affleck and Michelle Monaghan) who are hired by grieving relatives to help the police in their search for a 4 year old missing girl. The belief is that people who won't talk to the police will talk to them. This proves to be an astute assumption, as the two investigators (who are also a loving couple) quickly make headway.
Regulations apparently compel the police to cooperate, so two veteran detectives (Ed Harris and John Ralston) assist the couple in their work...and vice versa. I liked the fact that there was tension between the two groups (which we certainly come to expect when we see similar scenarios in movies) but it fairly rapidly is lightened when it becomes clear that the two private eyes are actually making progress and the two cops are actually willing to act on this information and to take some risks themselves.
I'm going to leave the plot there...suffice it to say that no one is quite who they appear to be. It is an intersting and surprise-packed story on the surface...and that's almost good enough...just watching the case unfold and the twists get revealed. But what earns this film an extra star is the moral and ethical tale just beneath the surface. These characters grapple with moral choices, and the movie shows over and over that our consciences and religious beliefs may be tightly held and admirably adhered to...but they can nonetheless get us into serious trouble. As viewers, we understand fairly clearly what we think everyone OUGHT to do...but we also feel the pain of internal conflict when they don't. Because we understand their internal battles. And we also feel for them when they live with the consequences of their prideful stubborness. Doing the right thing isn't cut and dried in this film at all.
Pretty much everyone in the film does great work. Special mention should go to Casey Affleck, an actor that I've pretty much paid no attention to. Well, he's having a great year (with this film and THE ASSASINATION OF JESSE JAMES...) and he's an interesting performer. Unconventional looking and seemingly a little slow and sleepy-eyed...his character bursts forth with shocking actions and bravery. He uses bluster to get out of sticky situations...but you can also easily tell that he's probably quivering in his boots at the same time.
The film isn't perfect. Michelle Monaghan's character is both underwritten and underplayed. I think this movie stretched her skills just past her breaking point. She isn't awful...but I was distracted by her lack of convincing reactions in many scenes. And a couple of brief flashback scenes go by SO quickly, and they're so important, that I think I may have missed a couple of minor points of plot developments.
Quibbles aside...this is a stirring, adult, thought-provoking, well-acted, well-written and SURPRISE, well-directed thriller. I HIGHLY recommend it.