Gone Baby Gone

"He lied to me. Now I can't think of one reason big enough for him to lie about that's small enough not to matter."

Gone Baby Gone is one of the best acted and scripted movies of 2007. From author Dennis Lehane (Mystic River), comes the story of two private investigators (Casey Affleck and Michelle Monaghan) who are hired to find the daughter of a less-than-suspect mother (played by Amy Ryan). A detective (Ed Harris) is sent to help with the investigation by the captain of the police (played by Morgan Freeman). The investigators uncover a web that leads them down a path that challenges them both professionally and morally.

Casey Affleck (The Assassination of Jesse James) gives a great performance as Patrick Kenzie. That makes two straight great performances out of the "Better Affleck". Affleck's acting style kinda reminds you of a young Marlon Brandon in "The Godfather", a sort of mumbling that conveys his thoughts as well as his feelings towards the decisions he faces. Not saying that Affleck is anywhere on par with Brando, just a couple of similarities in their acting styles.

Amy Ryan really steals the show as the drug-addict mother (she was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress award for her role). Her performance simultaneously conveys a feeling of hatred, but at the same time, she has a charisma about her that makes you kinda like her.

Directed by first-time director Ben Affleck, who may have found his calling after wallowing around for 10 years in so-so acting roles. Though, the directing is not what carries this film.

The film's setting is the Boston version of LA in Training Day. The film doesn't shy away from the grit, poverty, and lifetsyles that families growing up in these neighborhoods feel (Both Affleck's grew up in Boston).

Spoiler Warning: Highlight to view

I didn't really care for the scene where the masked man bursts into the bar and tries to kill Patrick. The scene felt forced, and really didn't add up to the whole scheme of the plot.

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8 out of 10 stars