Eastwood has once again produced a masterwork. Simply one of the finest offerings of the year...

Rating: 9/10 (16 December 2008)

Changeling (2008)
Top 10 - 2008
Clint Eastwood has once again proved his directorial achievements with this mature, excellent motion picture about a single mother whose son is abducted in 1920s Los Angeles. The LAPD, an organisation rife with corruption, scandals and immorality finds a quick replacement in order to show to the public that they are working effectively. However the mother quickly realised the patchwork by the police and goes on a fervent hunt to find her son stopping at nothing until she gets answers. Along the way she is declared insane and put into a psychiatric ward; she meets a priest who helps her fight injustice and corruption by expressing his anger in a variety of ways, including through his own radio show. The plot is easy to follow, with great twists and turns by Eastwood along the way.
Angelina Jolie provides a stern and powerful performance, guaranteed to lead the way in the Best Actress category at next year's Golden Globes and the coveted Academy Awards. Whether Jolie will win these prestigious accolades is of course dependent on the quality of other female leading performances, but still Jolie has a good chance to win a second Academy Award.
Once again I must stress the achievements of Clint Eastwood here. A 78 year old Hollywood legend continues to craft work of the finest calibre - it is simply impressive.
Excellent film. Simple but excellent.
8.5/10