It Blew Me Away

Rating: 10/10 (12 February 2008)

Wow. Ben Affleck has really outdone himself in this directorial debut. His skills as a screenwriter and as a director make him a true Hollywood talent. To make a movie on such touchy subjects as drugs, kidnapping, child endangerment, and pedophilia as his debut was needless to say, a huge risk for him. He came out of it with what ended up to be an extremely beautiful and touching film.
Casey Affleck deserves every award coming to him. His skills as an actor are only getting better. (He's personally my preferred Affleck brother to watch on the screen...) He was fantastic as Patrick Kenzie the private investigator investigating the kidnapping of little Amanda McCready. He showed amazing heart and passion. Ed Harris and Morgan Freeman, along with the ever-amazing Michelle Monaghan headed a huge supporting cast that helped further portray the issues and controversy behind the law when children are involved.
Based on a book written by Dennis Lehane (of Mystic River fame), this film will bring out a lot of emotions, from anger at every person who didn't pay attention to these disappearing kids, to sadness and empathy for Patrick as he uncovers what happens to these unfortunate children and why.
Watch it.