Disappointing, Contrived

Rating: 5/10 (7 March 2008)

Like "Mystic River," Bostonians (and fans of that epic city) have lauded "Gone Baby Gone" as yet another "masterpiece." The truth is that Ben Affleck brings the same lackluster feel to his directing as he does to most of the films he chooses to star in. Sure, the script is snappy, with dialogue that hits the viewer like a slap to the face, but the plot is overly contrived and the twists are elementary at best.
While Casey reinforces the fact that he is a fine actor destined for great things, he is terribly miscast (probably, let's see, because he's the director's brother). Maybe its his slight frame or boyish looks, but Casey plays a tough guy about as well as a high-school cheerleader. Even Morgan Freeman seems out of place as a Georgian uprooted and serving in the Boston PD. As portrayed in the film, he doesn't seem to fit in either world.
The direction from Ben Affleck, too, seemed very amateur. Ben fancies himself an auteur, but the film instead comes off as amateurish. The quick cuts and blackout voiceovers only reinforce this point. Let's face it Ben: you're not Paul Greengrass.
"Gone Baby Gone" carries a certain amount of emotional gravitas, which is why parents probably relate to and enjoy the film. But let's not pass off mediocre film-making as great cinema.