A for mood, C for message.

Rating: 7/10 (17 April 2008)

As a Bostonian, I am always interested in seeing a shared view of my native area. The Affleck view in this film is very familiar to me. I am delighted that somebody has shown the other textures of the greater Boston community. I grew up in the Boston portrayed in the film. Rough working class neighborhoods. No John Adams in sight there. So, Ben, you get an A for the feel of the film.
The plot and the cast are other matters entirely. The convoluted story would probably read well, but the continuity in the film is poor at times. Casey Affleck simply cannot do stoic without looking over-medicated. He's attractive and likable, but he's no Harrison Ford. The pivotal role of the hostile uncle of the missing child is played by Titus Welliver. The portrayal is a major flaw in the movie. He's just bad, as in smoked pork product.
Ed Harris and Morgan Freeman add weight but are very out of place. They simply are too good for the rest of the cast. Amy Ryan is excellent as the South Boston-Dorchester single mom. She captured the essential persona of doper and narcissistic MTV-generation airhead. Amy Madigan is also quite good and believable in her small role.
Uneven and anticlimactic throughout, yet better than watching TV.