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