Last week brought us one of my favorite movies from 2007, Across the Universe. This week was not able to match that, but that does not mean it is bereft of titles worthy of being added to your collection. Quite the opposite, as a matter of fact. While none fly as high as the Beatles musical, there are plenty of releases that will surely spark at least some curiosity to not necessarily buy, but definitely add to your Netflix queue. Hopefully, I am not leading you down the wrong path, but hey, everything seen is another experience, right?
This week's pick involves one of everyone's favorite punching bags, Ben Affleck. That's right, the star of such cinematic gems as Gigli and Phantoms was also involved with this week's most desirable new release. That's right, this week's pick is none other than Gone Baby Gone, a film that has not one but two Afflecks. On top of that it has garnered an Oscar nomination. I think it is unlikely that it will win that award, but it does not diminish the fact that it got the nomination and is well deserving of it.
For those of you unfamiliar with this film, it concerns the kidnapping of a young girl and the young man who finds himself in the midst of the case. It is a film that navigates the murky waters rife with moral ambiguities leading to a climax that does not offer any easy answers and will stay with you long after the it ends.
The film was directed by and co-written by Ben, and marks his big screen debut at the helm. He acquits himself admirably in this new position. It clearly shows that while he was on the various movie sets through his career, he was paying attention to what was going on off camera. His future career could be interesting if he chooses to pursue more directing opportunities.
In front of the camera is Ben's younger brother, Casey, who has an Oscar nomination himself (although not for this film). He does a very good job as an investigator whose age is a detriment, but whose connections are invaluable. He is joined by Amy Ryan, Oscar nominee, as the mother of the missing girl. On top of that, Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris add considerable experience. In short, it is a strong cast and a strong movie that is well deserving of being seen.
Article comments