Rated: R
Starring: Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Ed Harris, Morgan Freeman, John Ashton
Directed by: Ben Affleck

Official Website

This is the second film for Casey this year, and in both he gives a stellar performance. Gone Baby Gone holds you hostage from the very beginning, all the way to its twisted ending. If you love crime dramas as I do, this flick really entertains.

The Boston police, lead by Chief Jack Doyle (Freeman), are falling behind on their search for a missing 4 year-old girl. The missing child’s grandmother, Beatrice (Madigan), is not satisfied about the way things are going with the pursuit, so she enlists the aid of Patrick Kenzie (Affleck) and Angie Gennaro (Monaghan), two private detectives who know people in the rough neighborhood that don’t talk to the police, in hopes of getting information for a safe return of her granddaughter.

The detectives are reluctant to take the job since they have never had a possible kidnapping case before, but they reconsider when police officers try to dissuade them from jumping into the hunt.

Feeling that something is fishy with the way the Boston cops are working the case, Patrick starts an investigation that ultimately opens a can of worms filled with unlawful activity and misconduct. When Angie starts backing off the case in fear of her life, Patrick makes a decision that will change their partnership forever.

Topping off the admirable cast of actors, Casey provides a great performance of the Private Eye who will not give up no matter what the cost. His characterization of Patrick as an easygoing investigator, that can turn into a tough adversary when he’s cornered, makes the film work.

Ed Harris gives great support to Casey’s role. His determination to stop Casey from finding out the truth culminates in a hostile standoff. I was pleasantly surprised by the keen direction of Ben Affleck, who marks his debut as a Director. Ben also co-wrote and produced the crime drama.

I know there is at least one of you who will say this isn’t his first time directing, but would you really count the film I Killed My Lesbian Wife, Hung Her On A Meat Hook, And Now I have A Three Picture Deal With Disney? Ben, this film is a far cry from your early attempt at the helm, but if you can keep doing this kind of great work, go for it!

I wish I could tell you more about the film, but any more of the plot would give too much away. I will add that the film was shot on the streets of Dorchester, an area of Boston, within one of the toughest neighborhoods—an area where camera work for a movie has never been attempted—till now.

FINAL ANALYSIS: A great flick with a lingering, twisted storyline. 

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."