Solid adult alternative to the latest superhero flick

Rating: 6/10 (25 July 2011)

Another mature and thought-provoking film from Eastwood the director, this one based on a real-life incident.
The movie is subtle, reflective and pleasingly mature, focusing on the emotional side of the story throughout, and this allows leading actress Angelina Jolie to give her best performance to date (although that's not difficult, considering the type of lunk-headed blockbusters she's used to making - TOMB RAIDER anyone? I thought not).
Coming from Eastwood, it's a technical marvel, with flawless attention to detail (the 1920s-era fashions are particularly commendable) and a wide reaching story that's drip-fed at just the right level. I did find it slightly overlong, though - the first hour is more than a little repetitive with all the "he's not my son" dialogue - but once the police corruption angle becomes highlighted it really picks up.