GONE BABY GONE

115 Minutes

(Directorial debut of Ben Affleck)

Any film that deals with child abduction, abuse, or neglect is difficult to watch, and "Gone Baby Gone" addresses and explores all of these elements as a 3 year-old girl, Amanda, is taken from her home when her addicted mother, Helene (Amy Ryan), leaves her alone. When the police fail to deliver results, Amanda's aunt and uncle hire private detectives who have a familiarity with the locals. Casey Affleck and Michelle Monaghan are Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro, partners who are pushed to the limit of their professional and personal relationships because of the case. Battling corruption and time, Kenzie may be the last honest man on earth, but will the truth set Amanda free? To go further would be too revealing.

Filled with unexpected circumstances and involvements, "Gone Baby Gone" is a taut crime drama that is too real to soon be forgotten. As headlines and news channels are quick to report, there are Amanda-like stories being told daily. This one will have you on the edge of your seat with your heart pounding through the last scene.

Casey Affleck has come a long way from "Drowning Mona," and as we enjoy him in the "Oceans" films, "Gone Baby Gone" and "The Assasination of Jesse Jones by the Coward Robert Ford" have introduced audiences to the actor his brother, Ben, knew could be a leading man.

Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris, Amy Madigan, John Ashton and Titus Welliver co-star.

FYI:

Based on the book by Dennis Lehane (also wrote "Mystic River"), it's been said that this is Ben Affleck's favorite book.

Set in Boston and, of course, filmed there, Affleck included as many "real" people as were available. Shooting in the neighborhoods, streets, bars, he invited anyone that was there when the film crew showed up to be a part of the film.

For the final credits, Ben Afflect takes the opportunity not only to thank his wife and family, but also shout out to members of his beloved Boston Red Sox team!