engrossing and entertaining

Rating: 8/10 (28 September 2008)

There's an interesting though flawed story in Gone Baby Gone, but what is most notable about the film is actually its fascinating view of the underside of a working class Boston neighborhood. There is a very authentic feel to the characters and situations. You can't call it a love letter to Boston, since it deals with the seedier parts, but there is a genuine affection for this world.
In structure this is a detective movie. At times it made me think of Raymond Chandler's novels, not for the style, which is decidedly different, but for the distinct, interesting characters and the rather convoluted and unlikely story.
Performances are terrific across the board, particularly from Casey Affleck and Ed Harris.
The weakest element in the movie is the character of Patrick's wife Angie. The problem is not the acting (although the actress does come across as a little too stylish for her working class neighborhood), the problem is that the character seems superfluous. She is said to be Patrick's partner in the detective business, yet she acts simply as a tag along. She really doesn't do anything, take any actions, come up with any ideas; she mainly just tells Patrick everything he's thinking of doing is a mistake. If they'd just made her his wife this would have been fine, but it just seems weird to make her his partner since she seems to bring nothing to the partnership.
Still, it's beautifully directed and acted and the plot has some interesting ideas, although not much one could actually call a surprise. It is overall an excellent film.