| Written by Jan James Stetter, on 01-10-2007 15:44 |
Media Maven: "Gone Baby Gone"
The Cincy Chic Media Maven, Jan Stetter, reviews "Gone Baby Gone." See why Stetter gives kudos to the Affleck brothers and veteran Morgan Freeman for a flick-well-done.
Gone Baby Gone
Casey Affleck, John Ashton, Morgan Freeman, Amy Madigan, Ed Harris, Amy Ryan, Michelle Monaghan
Kudos to Ben Affleck in his turn as the director of “Gone Baby Gone.”
There were good cinematic film transitions, nice camera shots and a
pace that kept the audience absorbed in this crime drama.
“Gone Baby Gone” is the story of a kidnapped little girl from one of
the toughest neighborhoods in Boston. The investigation is headed by
Morgan Freeman of the police department. Frustrated with the lack of
answers, the little girl’s aunt hires a local investigator team to dig
deeper into this unsolved mystery.
Casey Affleck plays the lead character in this drama as the local
neighborhood boy turned investigator who has a history in the
community. Megan Monahan plays his partner. Both carry their respective
parts with conviction.
Freeman plays the chief investigator of the crime. A plot twist makes
for an unsuspecting turn of events. Not quite sure if the story is
truly plausible. But it’s Freeman, and he is such a pleasure to watch.
He could recite the alphabet and he would be believed.
John Ashton and Ed Harris are the police detectives assigned to work
with the private investigators. Ashton gives a reliable performance as
a police detective on a mission. But it’s Ed Harris who shines in his
character’s portrayal of a cop with questionable motives.
The script was based on a novel from Dennis Lehane who gave us the book
“Mystic River,” which also was made into a movie. Ben Affleck, along
with Aaron Stockard, adapted the book “Gone Baby Gone” into a
screenplay.
As good as this ensemble piece was it could not have been conceivable
without the casting of Amy Ryan as the little girl’s mother. Her
pivotal depiction of a drug addicted, single mother was gripping.
Ryan’s narcissistic behavior and disregard for her child were achingly
apparent. “Gone Baby Gone” paints a poignant picture of one child’s
discarded life; not really mattering whether she is with her mother or
if she’s “Gone Baby Gone.”
Rating: Three Chic Stars
Jan’s Movie Rating System:
5 - Top notch entertainment
4 - Compelling, Heartwarming, Thrilling, Comical
3 - The a) story b) actors c) special effects saved/made this movie.
2 - If you are bored watch it, or wait for DVD
1 - Don’t bother. Too morose, too violent, too blasé, an enigma.
|
