Gone Baby Gone

Gone Baby Gone: Ben Affleck makes his directorial debut in this well written thriller. Ben abuses his newly acquired “Directorial Powers” right away and casts the lead role with his brother, the soft spoken / barely opens his mouth – Casey Affleck. Also starring in the film are Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris, both of which play excellent roles and are a joy to watch on the screen. The feature takes place in a poor part of Boston. Two local private detectives are hired to help find a missing girl from the neighborhood. Their investigation takes many twists and turns, but finally they discover that a much deeper crime was committed. The path the film takes that leads to the conclusion is perfect in that the viewer will not be sure which way they want to see it end. I am keen on movies with endings that make you choose what you think is best for the characters, with both outcomes being “right” in their own ways. These kinds of films are great conversation pieces after viewing and that is the case with Gone Baby Gone. Looking back at the story as a whole however, I find some of the basic structure not plausible and even a little impractical at times. Another personal gripe is the title of the film – Gone Baby Gone is said in a dramatic way by one of the characters which just sounds ridiculous. That being said I still recommend the movie and have to give Ben Affleck credit on his directorial debut. Hey, if it keeps him behind the camera and off the screen – we are all winners.

* * * or Grade: B -

If this movie had parents they would be: Mystic River & Brick

With a runtime of 114 minutes

This film is rated R