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A spy has seen Ben Affleck's GONE BABY GONE and looooovveesss it!
Ahoy, squirts! Quint here with a look at the Ben Affleck directed flick GONE BABY GONE. What's interesting about this is it's not only his directorial debut (and he didn't cast himself in the flick), but it's also the first script he's written since GOOD WILL HUNTING. The early word has been phenomenal and the below review is no exception. Sounds like a real winner. Can't wait to give it a view. Enjoy the review!
Hey Harry,
I'm an avid reader of the website and thought that I would drop and a line. On tuesday I had an opportunity to see Ben Affleck's new film Gone Baby Gone, which he co-wrote with Aaron Stockard and directed. The film was adapted from the book of the same name that was written by Dennis Lehane author of Mystic River. He hired baby brother Casey to star in a film that he originally envisioned himself starring in, before ending up in the director's seat. After the screening, the audience was treated to a Q&A session with the brothers Affleck and Amy Ryan. Now while there was nothing new or exciting announced in their session, it was still pretty cool getting to hear the process of the film getting made.
Anyways onto the actual review of the film. WOW, Good Will Hunting was definitely no mistake. Ben really knows how to piece together deep, intense and ultimately meaningful films that really do stick with you long after. For those who don't really know much about Gone Baby Gone, here's a quick rundown minus spoilers. Casey Affleck plays P.I. who along with girlfriend Michelle Monaghan searches for missing people in Boston. They get asked to search for a missing child of a drug addict played credibly by Amy Ryan. Working along side the resentful Boston police officers , Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris, they attempt to find the child.
Through this search, the relationships of the characters completely change and they are posed with some very interesting moral issues. It is tough to pose these without giving spoilers, but Affleck really allows the film to go further than just skin deep and really explore how children in society should be raised and how sick and twisted it is to harm a child.
As for the performances, Casey Affleck is definitely on a tare, showing that there should be more than one famous Affleck brother. Between this and Jesse James and his memorable role in Ocean's 13, he really shows that he has the talent to be a force in Hollywood. Like Jamie Foxx and Terrence Howard each had their years, Affleck has had a coming out party this year. Michelle Monaghan is good, but doesn't have to show the dynamic performance comparable to Affleck. Nonetheless, she does a great job as Affleck's counterpart. Morgan Freeman is always good but not breaking any new ground here, just your typical great performance from Mr. Freeman. The person that just takes over the screen is Ed Harris. He's really compiled an incredible body of work, from Appollo 13 to Truman to Pollock, he really has the ability to control a film. His gritty portrayal of detective Broussard should easily garner him Oscar consideration. When he talks about finding an abused child it really makes you feel the emotion and passion of his character. Of all the great performances in this movie, Harris stole the show.
Now I know the big question has to be how was the directing. Yes their is a great cast and it would be hard to mess up this film, but Affleck builds on these performances. Rather than being flashy and using slick editing, his direction was subtle, playing to each of the actor's strengths. He does not try to turn the film into something that it is not, but allows the actors and strong script to carry the film. The only problem is it feels like the film ends a couple times and can kind of seem to drag on at times, but I think this was more of a technique that Affleck used to show how cases like the one in the film can feel.
Other than that, this was a strong piece of work from Affleck and co. If you are a fan of Mystic River, you won't want to miss this. It is definitely a film worth checking out.
Call me J-Unit
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detect a possible plant?
I have heard good things about this, but this review was a bit too gushing!
Won't see it for a while, they have delayed release int he UK due to similarities in a kidnapping over here. -
Seriously though I'm willing to give the fella another shot. He's certainly been punished enough at this point. Moreover it looks like a great movie and proof that the Good Will Hunting fire still burns within. If that means more good work from him in the future or, God willing, another collaboration with Matt Damon, then fuckin' a if I'm not up for it. I just hope to God, as far as his acting goes, that "He's Just Not That Into You" is one of those rare romantic comedies that doesn't make you want to swear off the female race forever.
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Nice job j-j-j-unit. i was at a similar screening (http://www.variety.com/awardcentral_vstory/VR1117973249.html?nav=vpage&categoryid=1985&cs=1) and thought it was pretty good. It was very predictable at times but its last 20 minutes redeemed it. Casey and Harris were both excellent. Ben's back in business baby. I'll weigh in on it in a few weeks, but thanks for writing in. I have a feeling this film will need support and it's good to know it's found that here.
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Should do more of the behind the camera/pen work than taking every single acting role thats offered to him.
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who would've thunk Melissa'd keep her shirt on in that one.
Angst for the memories, indeed. -
And I prefer DareDevil anytime over the lackluster Spider-Man 1. And Spider-Man 3 was a piece of shit. Thank God most butlers worked for C.S.I. at one point in their lives. "Your father was run over by his own car. So it's clear without a doubt that he has killed himself."
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merely a long episode of NYPD Blue: including 20 minutes of hand held establishing shots. felt like a film school project with a big budget. as a viewer i hate being able to detect the "staging" of every scene. maybe AFLAC! will get better as he goes
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And was Da Bomb in Phantoms. But as George Reeves he blew me away in Hollywoodland. Go Ben! And the Daredevil directors cut is a QUALITY movie.
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Didn't see this coming did you!? Cunts. Always liked Affleck and am delighted this is getting great buzz. Looking forward to it
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Is this some sort of scale reference? Are you saying he's fat, like Jon Favreau?
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It means he's on a roll. He's enjoying great luck in his career at this moment in time. He cant put a foot wrong. Do you understand?
Also Ben was tremendous (Da Bomb) in J Lo's music video for that song. Loads of 'Affleckions' in that performance. -
I'm glad there are SOME people out there who liked Daredevil. Definatly better then Spider-Man. Not better then Batman Begins, but my second favorite comic book movie. Ben Affleck IS the bomb in Phantoms yo.
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pronounced the same--just a simple typowhen your dog goes nuts and starts running around the room low and fast, he is "on a tear"
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Morgan Freemand and Ed Harris was in this one. Mystic River is one of my favorite movies so I'm definetly checking this one out. All I've heard about this one has been good to great.
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Explains the gushing shills for Casey.Explains the spehling
When they were an item, did Ben call himself J-Unit? Or did J-Lo call him that? -
you know how those PLANTS love it..!
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to play a "Street Smart" type character again. His wise god-like guidance counselor roles are getting too alike. Time to grab a sharp object, get angry, and toss some f-bombs around, Morgan.
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...will never have a better role, a role more suited to him, than Patrick Kenzie. And he gave it to his little brother. Sorry, I don't see it. I know Casey Affleck is a grown-man and I have nothing against him, but he looks like he could play the lead in a SAVED BY THE BELL movie. I hope I can look past it and enjoy the movie - the series is one of my favorites. But I think Ben did himself and his project a disservice by trying to be selfless here.
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I never had a problem with the fella - though I don't understand all the hate; yes he made some bad moves and I'm sure he's the first to admit the whole Bennifer thing never helped but I'm pulling for him on this one - perhaps his future lies behind the camera?
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...and he is a nice guy as well as a great writer. Look no further than "The Wire" for that. GBG is one of my favorite books. I can't see Casey Affleck as PK...just doesn't work. And I hope the last scene and line in the book are delivered, or this will have been a waste.
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Perhaps this will be his forte - I've never been too keen on his acting ability.
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Pretty much.
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When people write "PLANT!" all the fucking time!
Seriously, shut the fuck up. Is it just possible that it's just a good piece of filmmaking, and the reviewer found nothing wrong with it? You have no frame of reference on who wrote it, so don't jump to conclusions. Youre just screaming "PLANT!" to be an annoying asshole.
So seriously, shut up. -
The money has to be there and his baby probably needs a new pair of shoes.
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More power to him.
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"Darkness Take My Hand" was second-degree burglary of "Silence of the Lambs." "A Drink Before the War" was overrated - OK, but nothing really that special. "Sacred" bit the big one - it felt like Lehane wrote it in a day to fulfill a contract. "Prayers for Rain" was good up until the ludicrous last-act twist that just wasn't needed. But "Gone Baby Gone" was rock solid. So Affleck at least as good taste in material to adapt. If he put an honest effort into it it might turn out to be a decent flick.
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"tare" would be a deliberate misspelling of "tear" meant to distract readers from the bright green chlorophil.
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I'll pass on this garbage.
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Lehane is a great writer and I've enjoyed every one of his books. I think this role would have been good for Ben but give him credit for casting Casey, who I actually think fits the bill for Patrick Kenzie pretty well himself. With a cast like Affleck, Harris, Freeman, etc. great source material from Lehane and hopefully good adaptation and direction from Ben, there's every reason to go see this movie regardless of whether or not you hear something from a plant. And maybe he just really liked the movie. I love the book and have been waiting for this movie for a while. So stop being fucking babies, use your own damn brain and decide for yourself if you wanna see it. Call ME a plant if you want. I'll take just as much joy in calling you an asshole.
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my level of hate for that piece of overwraught rubbish is exactly equal to my level of interest in casey affleck in a starring role...man oh man!!
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I know, right? Them damn actors who think they can direct. Whos do theys think theys are? I mean COME ON! Clint Eastwood? Kevin Costner? Sean Penn? Peter Berg? Woody Allen? Mel Gibson? Rob Reiner? Harold Ramis? Charlie Chaplin? Roman Polanski? Terry Gilliam? They make me SICK! Just SICK! You got a list protesting these bloody actors who just one day got up and DECIDED to direct a movie? I'll be the second to sign!
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Considering the headlines CNN and Fox spit at us everyday,
the subject matter is timely. But is that good or bad for the film?
Also, the ending of the book is the kind that is hard to do
in a film. I'm afraid it will feel like a let-down to the average moviegoer. On
the other hand, if they pulled off a good adaptation, it could sell the movie
with great word of mouth. -
This was released last week? At least it was in New York. Was it released early in NY?
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What the fuck has happened to this site? I'm drunk right now...but I'm pretty sure this article is from October 4.
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I didn't know he was gay. Having a party is as good a way as any to announce it I suppose.
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