Unbelievably true story of a hideous crime and police corruption

Rating: 9/10 (14 July 2014)

***MILD PLOT SPOILERS*** (without giving away the ending)
Clint Eastwood's "Changeling" (2008) stars Angelina Jolie in the true story of a single mother whose young son goes missing in 1928 Los Angeles. The LAPD contact the mother, Christine Collins, several months later and say they found her son, but when she sees him she knows it's not her child. Nevertheless, the LAPD insist that it is, even though he's three inches shorter and circumcised, and pressure her to take him home on a "trial basis." When Collins continues to protest the arrogant police captain issues an order to put her into a mental institution. Evidently, the LAPD aren't interested in finding her real son, but rather in saving face and protecting their tarnished reputation. Will Christine Collins get out of the asylum? Will she ever find her son or, at least, find out what happened to him? Will the LAPD be held accountable for their corruption?
***END SPOILERS***
Clint Eastwood is an expert filmmaker who rarely delivers a clunker regardless of which genre. "Changeling" is a drama/mystery with some thriller aspects. I'll be honest with you, my wife bought this movie on DVD and I didn't think I'd like it; the plot didn't interest me and neither did Angelina (she's fine, but I can take her or leave her). However, within 25 minutes I was absorbed into the story and captivated until the end. After it was over I researched the true story of the "Wineville Chicken Coop" kidnapping and murder case. The case was so repugnant the town changed its name to Mira Loma in 1930.
It's not necessary to say anything more. If you're in the mood for a drama/mystery based on an unbelievably true story look no further. Eastwood also composed the score.
The film was shot on location in Southern California and runs 141 minutes.
GRADE: A