Great Baby Great

Rating: 9/10 (22 February 2009)

As others have mentioned, I, too, was surprised at how good this movie turned out to be, from the acting (Casey Affleck is great and I'm ashamed to say I assumed he'd only been given the role because of his brother being famous and being the director), to the directing (except for a few interior shots where it was tough to see what was going on because of too much darkness, for which I detracted one point), to the writing, to the suspenseful twists and turns that kept your interest and the local color that were right on target. It was all a great package that doesn't deliver a "happy ending" but a powerful story in a real, gripping way.
There were plenty of spots where the story could have had some prurient interest thrown in for the sickies. But, except for one gory scene of a graphically executed body, there was none of that here.
Now there is plenty of nasty ("F" this, "F" that) language, and it's certainly no movie for children to be present for. But it does not turn down the tawdry road that so many movies use to appeal to the baser interests of some viewers. It holds to the high road and keeps the feeling gritty, real but painfully pure in many senses. There are few if any "cop outs" but just good, skillful entertainment that enthralls you from the beginning with surprises.
In a strange way, it's also a great couples movie. There are opportunities to have some deep discussions afterward over "What would I/you/we have done?" to actually make a relationship stronger.
Again, a strong, stinging surprise and a must see. If you have the opportunity to see this movie, do, baby, do.