Hey, everyone. ”Moriarty” here. That’s the word I’m hearing. I was going to see this one on Thursday, but some family stuff came up, and I’m going to have to try to reschedule in the weeks ahead. Especially since I’ve talked to people I really trust who loved the film, who thought it was a nice announcement by Affleck as a writer/director. Casey Affleck is fantastic in THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD, and if he’s really good in this one as well, then maybe this is the fall that changes things for him as a leading man. Let’s see what this viewer from London had to say:
Hey AICN Crew, Last night in London I attended one of those marketing screening of Ben Affleck's Gone Baby Gone; so I thought I'd hit you up with a review. I'll try and keep it as spoiler free as possible. Set in contemporary Boston the story follows 2 PI's (Casey Affleck and Michelle Monaghan) who are hired by the aunt of a missing toddler. They're brought in to supplement the official investigation with their local contact, much to the chagrin of the Police Captain (Morgan Freeman) and the detectives on the case (Ed Harris and John Aston). As it turns out there's more to the missing girl then just a snatch and grab (unsurprisingly). Her mother's a drug mule and a general no-goodnik, and it looks like a local drug dealer might have taken the girl to exchange for some missing cash. This is at it's simplest a morality tale. It presents the viewer with some pretty tough questions, that leave you considering which way you'd take if you were in that situation. Overall this film is very good. It's beautifully shot, and Older Affleck uses his locations to the fullest. For a first major directorial venture it's put together well, and doesn't drag. The ending is a great example of a cinematic exhalation of breath (you'll see what I mean) Performance wise, Ed Harris steals the show. I wouldn't be surprised if he gets a nod from the little naked golden man for this one. That isn't to say that everyone else is left behind, though younger Affleck doesn't dazzle as the lead, he's convincing, and you genuine feel for him when he has to make some tough decisions. Other names worth checking are Titus Welliver as the little girl's uncle, and Amy Ryan as her coked out mother. My main problems with the movie are minor. It has intermittent narration from Younger Affleck, which didn't sit well with me. It felt disjointed, and because it isn't through the whole film, it doesn't really flow increadibly well. The other problem I had was in one scene the films title is said by a character and I felt it apt that his name is Cheese. I'd say, avoid the trailer if you want to keep this fresh. It gives away a bit too much, not so much that it ruins the final product; but still more than I'd like. If this is an indication of his skills, I'd like to see more from Affleck. He has pace, shots, and construction down. I'd give it 4 big chins out of 5. Please call me djquincyzee
