Gone Baby Gone

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: October 19, 2007

DVD Release Date: February 12, 2008

Plot 411: A child is missing and a private investigator must wade through the sordid underworld of Boston to recover her.

Review: This is the movie where Ben Affleck's baby brother Casey proves he's a much better on-screen talent and where Ben's real talents behind the camera are revealed. Casey stars as Patrick, a street smart private eye who is enlisted by a woman (Amy Madigan) to find her niece Amanda (Madeline O'Brien). Amanda was abducted while her mother (Amy Ryan) visited a neighbor. Since the cops aren't getting anywhere, Patrick takes the case and uses his local sources to uncover the truth. However, the truth is never as it seems. This movie is a crazy-good cop thriller that is, in some ways, vey much like those noir films. The seediness of the circumstances, the fine line between cops and criminals and the city all mix together to form a truly great show. The movie excellently deals with tough topics that ask you to reevaluate your moral compass. Like many aspects in life, this movie slips into a grey area rather than remain firmly planted in either black or white. Also in this movie are Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris.

Watch It: For a dark and gritty cop movie that takes advantage of its neighborhood and its culture.

Skip It: If you're not prepared to question your own morals.