Gone Baby Gone

So it seems to be true: Ben can do everything in Hollywood but act, and Casey is a fabulously gifted actor. Together the Affleck brothers have created a solid, affecting film that surpasses all expectations: it is a dark and gut-wrenching if by-the-book genre mystery (complete with the “I know what happened!” moment and solution denouement). The situation is beyond belief and some of the characters’ speechifying tests the limits. But the film turns into an ethical test in the second half, and it couldn’t be more effective. Without an ounce of manipulation, the film presents a moral question in which every side is both right and wrong, and choosing correctly couldn’t possibly be more important. The effect is staggering. There are weak points in the film, but they don’t diminish the film’s ultimate impact. Afflecks should be proud.