I've met both these guys. That's right I name dropped in a caption, deal with it. (please note I am dealing with it as I've been ripped apart for this)
I had heard a little bit about this movie when it was in the theater but by the time I decided to see it, it left the multiplex quietly. So when I realized I missed it, I put it in my Netflix queue to ensure I would see it. Well, it showed up this last week and I must say, I really enjoy this film.
Knowing that superstar Ben Affleck was directing, I was pleasantly surprised to not be distracted during the film. In fact a few minutes in, I forgot who director was and just enjoyed the ride. I believed Casey Affleck in his role, Morgan Freeman is always great and I was once again disappointed with Ed Harris. Ed Harris is just not believable to me and is a distracting over-actor.
This movie is not light-hearted and asks some thought provoking questions about right and wrong. I found myself asking some really deep questions and considered the moral quandary of the lead character. (In case you’ve seen it and you’re wondering, I’d have done the same thing as the lead.) It also makes some great statements about the media capitalizing on missing children. I personally loathe modern news reports and shows like Greta Van Susteren. Sadly though, an entire genre of television is created around tragedy, not for the sake of journalism but as a sick version of reality television.
Overall Gone Baby Gone is an interesting story that is sure to prompt some great post-viewing conversations. I give it a “pick it up Friday night and watch it with some friends. It’s a good film and will create some interesting dialogue long after it ends.” It leaves me wanting to see what else Ben Affleck might do behind the camera. Only time will tell if he’s the next Clint Eastwood, but before giving out such a grandiose label, I will start here; “Good Ben Good.”
