Hard novel to bring to film

Rating: 7/10 (30 June 2009)

I was very curious to see what the movie would dilute or drop from the story entirely; to be fair the novel is so complex it would be essential for much to go. Lehane's stories are generally convoluted, although very enjoyable, and I think this is one of his best. I found the conclusion extraordinarily moving in the book and was pleased to see the film kept faith with the original ending. In advance I had been betting it would sell out for a soft ending. Of course one difficulty this introduces is that the film does not have enough time to set up the contrasts in personalities, motivations etc. In the film I don't think the mother is sufficiently vacant and selfish to really make people want to see her be denied her child. Similarly, the different options that could be available for the girl are not contrasted far enough. The film cannot quite capture the huge sense of deprivation present in her life. Establishing these ideas explicitly is what should make Kenzie's difference of opinion with the other protagonists so striking. I think this deficiency is evidenced in other comments written here from people who I assume have not read the book.
I thought it was enjoyable movie that I could easily watch a second time. Affleck and Monaghan fit their roles in a pleasing way. Affleck is younger than the character I had in mind and Monaghan is more demure, but they worked for me. I found the main cop characters pleasantly convincing. On the other hand, I was disappointed with all the bad guys none of whom were very developed, but I guess there simply wasn't enough room/time for them. However, the single most displeasing aspect of the whole film was the use and characterisation of Bubba. A lost opportunity for a larger than life character; the actor was also physically far too small as well.
One aspect of the ending I find irritating is why the treatment of the Morgan Freeman's character is so harsh. Once Kenzie (Affleck) has decided the child is going back to the mother and made it clear that he won't be persuaded otherwise, then surely a return could be arranged that did not leave Freeman and the uncle in prison and the lives of both their wives destroyed? After all, none of the characters, Kenzie included, are above bending the law. On reflection, may be this is actually more acceptable in the movie where Freeman and the uncle are less sympathetic and seem more motivated by money and less by the child's interests.