Gone Baby Gone

When a 4-year-old girl goes missing in Dorchester, one of Boston's toughest hoods, private investigators Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro (Casey Affleck and Michelle Monaghan) reluctantly agree to take the case. But the investigation proves tougher, riskier and more complex than they could have imagined. Ben Affleck's directorial debut, adapted from the Dennis Lehane novel, also stars Ed Harris, Morgan Freeman and Amy Ryan (in her first Oscar-nominated role).

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» Recommended for 7 people

» Reviewed by 26 people

I was apprehensive about seeing this, due to the fact that Ben Affleck was directing and co-writing. However, this film far exceeded expectations. A story about missing children and ethics, "Gone, Baby Gone" really makes you ponder the character's actions and what you'd do in a similar situation. Although it's a bit slow at parts (especially the beginning), this movie has some perfect realistic acting by Casey Affleck, in addition to some meticulously planned direction. Give this movie a chance, because Ben Affleck shows some impressive skills as a director/writer.
- USCTrojans2010

More like "Sucks, Baby, Sucks"! This movie was terrible. It started out well enough, but then got into this ridiculous plot, with twists that would make M. Night Shyamalan laugh. Plus there were a few GAPING plot holes.
- EE 293301

Best screenplay by Ben Affleck after Good Will Hunting. His brother Casey did an excellent acting job. Sad to know there are so many Helene's out there.
- duKe jaVieR

I was very surprised how good this movie turned out to be. I had low expectations for first time director Ben Affleck, especially with his younger brother starring in it. Storyline was great, as was the acting, and locations. I thought it was pretty cool that they shot the whole film in the correct parts of Boston. Also, the ending will keep you talking about the movie for days.
- *Dianne*

This was an excellent, realistic thriller. However, the ending really bothered me. I feel that in the end, the director sacrificed the movie's integrity simply for the sake of surprising the audience. I don't want to give anything away, but Casey Affleck's character immediately goes from being the protagonist you root for, to "one of THOSE" people who bother you. I finished the movie with a sick feeling in my gut and a bad taste in my mouth. Is frustrating, because with just a few minor tweaks, the movie could have been one great.
- Joftoojus

Wow! great job by the Affleck brothers on this one. I think we both liked it at least as much as Mystic River. Just don't expect an uplifting story--it's very gritty and realistic, and pretty downbeat. Don't watch after a bad week at work.
- JM 1210896

This is a tight movie. It reminded me of a one of those older italian flicks that used real people on the street as actors. Ben Affleck did a good job of creating a very gritty movie. It reminded a little of Departed, but I think even The Departed was more hollywood than this. Everything seemed authentic, and Casy Affleck was excellent in the lead role. He doesn't have the star power to overwhelm the role, and yet he has enough smarts to pull off the subtleties of his character. I wish we could do halves on this thing, else I'd give 4.5 stars.
- JLo

This was such a great movie; a real top notch crime drama. It was gripping, it was compelling, it was moving, and it was shocking. Ben Affleck showed some titanic talent in his directorial style and his script. The story seems out of place with this "good looking boy". The twists the story take keep you interested and drive the story forward whether you are prepared or not. The ending was a bit of a shocker but the final reveal was jaw dropping. I have to say that Angie's ending in the movie was something I didn't really agree with and didn't really understand why her character would want what she wanted. The ending reminded me so much of what I felt at the end of "Empire Strikes Back". So much was accomplished, there was a happy ending of sorts, but it didn't really seem like the good guys completely won and the bad guys completely lost. I think that's why this movie is a great mark in the history books of crime drama and I hope both Afflecks show their talent again like they did here.
- agentx216

Really? Ben-lo? I was one of the people that questioned his writing credit on 'Good Will Hunting.' But as many critics have already stated, Affleck should stay behind the camera from now on, because this movie is just short of five stars. Casey Affleck is 10 times the actor his brother is, and the supporting performances are uniformly excellent. Three scenes stand out in my mind where Affleck (Ben) creates heart-stopping tension, a rare feat for a directorial debut. Boston is one of my favorite settings for crime movies, and its seedy underbelly is shown with perfect detail in this film. There are some weaknesses in the script, especially in the Monaghan character, but during my writing of this review, I have raised my rating from 4 to 5 stars, because the good far outweighs these minor flaws. A fine film.
- Topaz420 in CA

"Gone Baby Gone" is a good movie. The plot is suspenseful. The outcome is open to question and keeps the viewer glued to the screen to find out what happened and, perhaps, why it occurred. The characters are facing ethical dilemmas. And, in most of these dilemmas, the answers are not clearly right or wrong and most of us do not really know how we would react unless if we were facing a similar situation. The accents are authentic. The settings are gritty and realistic. Casey Affleck does an excellent job in the lead role as a younger man facing a tough situation and dealing with others who think he lacks the experience and toughness to handle a difficult situation. Morgan Freeman does his usual outstanding job--this time playing the role of the captain of a local police force and his character adds unusual twists and turns in the ethical dilemmas facing the characters. The movie has two disappointments. One is a personal quirk. The language in the movie is filled with profanity. I understand it may make the movie "real" in that drug addicts and an assortment of criminals undoubtedly use profanity as a matter of course. But lowering the dialogue to this level coarsens our society and degrades all of us. We want to watch a movie; hearing the profane dialogue of those in the bottom rung of society does not add to the intellectual content of the film. The thrill of the movie is the story line and how the characters deal with the issues that arise. A barrage of profanity does not, in my view, add to the value. Rather, it cheapens the movie and the effort. Second, Michelle Monaghan played a key role but did not live up to the part. She was the weakest link in an excellent cast. All in all, a good move with a lot of action that reminded me of "Good Will Hunting" (although it was a better movie overall) or "Mystic River". It is worth seeing and movie aficionados will find "Gone Baby Gone" entertaining.
- AtTheBeach

INCREDIBLE film. A MUST see for everyone! B. Affleck did a STUNNING job with the direction and C. Affleck was perfect for the role. The story itself is just unbelievable compelling and asks the compelling question:" Just because is the right thing to do, does it mean its the BEST thing to do?" Heartrending and just spellbinding in many ways. The story grabs you quickly and doesn't let go till the very end. The only flaw in this film for me was the obscene amount of swearing. I don't know ANYONE who swears as much as these people lol. I'm one of those people who don't mind it from time to time however if it starts to be almost every other word it loses some appeal to me. However it doesn't hinder me from ranking this one high on my like/love list. I totally recommend this to all adults. I think its just so compelling and I really think that its one of those film you talk about over and over again, one of those you ask your friend well what would YOU have done? A Great Great film. Go see this one NOW!!!! Move it to at least top 5 in your queue you will be glad you did.
- *~*Sullivans*~*

It started out well, but after awhile it went slowly but steadily downhill. I dont' think Casey Affleck's character was believable in the parts where he tried to be tough, and his acting was otherwise mediocre. The plot twists were too predictable and thus disappointing for me. Too many movies have the same kind of "surprise" ending, so that it's not a surprise anymore.
- couchdog53

A true Film Noir, think of Chinatown updated and moved from LA to NY. A detective does what the police can't - solve the case of a missing child. Great acting by Casey Affleck, surprisingly decent directing by his brother, and strong editing put this film in the ranks of those classic Raymond Chandler movies starting Humphrey Bogart or Robert Mitchum. I'd like to see Casey's character turn this into a series of films in the long lost genre of gumshoe movie. I can't think of anything in recent years to compare it to (that wasn't just an homage or blatant rip off) of the genre - the last being possibly Blade Runner a decade ago, or more recently the independent film Brick.
- GS Chicago

A gritty drama about a little girl who gets kidnapped and those who are trying to find her. There are a lot of answers that need to be solved. One is why does Ed Harris look so much like Viggo Mortensen in "History of Violence" in this movie? Never figured that one out. Anyway, you can see some things coming, but the sharp performances are great. Casey Affleck did a great job for his big brother Director Ben. Casey is definitely developing as a star and Ben has a nice start as a director. "Kids forgive, they don't judge, they turn the other cheek, and what do they get for it?"
- Cleve1212

It's hard to fault anyone for this film. There are no real missteps acting wise, and I'm sure the book is a fine read, but Affleck's faithful (possibly too faithful) adaptation of the Dennis Lehane novel loses something in the translation. The events that take place might seem completely plausible while reading the book and letting your imagination play a vital role, but when you actually watch the events transpire it's a near ludicrous venture. Had the film ended after an hour I think it would have been an excellent dark film, but it doesn't end, there's a twist, and then another, and then another until you're wondering if Charlie Kaufman's brother Donald wrote the screenplay. It almost becomes like a Simpsons episode where they parody these types of films, one far fetched twist after another. The only reason I made it through to the end was Casey Affleck's electric performance. Harris, Freeman, and Taggart from Beverly Hills Cop are all good, Ryan as the mother steals her scenes and in a small cameo Michael Williams (Omar on The Wire) is fun to watch. The only actor out of their element is Monaghan who looks and acts more like Jennifer Garner than her character. The photography by Toll (The Thin Red Line) is stunning and the music is pretty good too. Affleck doesn't bother with stylish sequences he simply tells the facts of the story. I do think he makes a major mistake by allowing a character to explain the twists while we see it in a flashback sequence. Had we just followed Casey Affleck to discovering this it would have been a far more cinematic experience, instead everything is spelled out. In fact I think the ludicrous twists could have worked as well had he maybe gone the Chinatown route where there's a labyrinthine conspiracy at work which is slowly discovered rather than everyone showing all their cards. Had he been a little more judicious with what he left out of the movie it would have been a pretty strong movie.
- Paul Logan

This movie is horribly difficult to watch; especially if you have children. I was horrified appalled disgusted and tormented by this very well made emotionally disturbing film. The subject involves the worst types of things happening to innocent children. I was so angry at one point that I was shivering/shaking here in my seat. Eventually it was simply puzzling. Cassey Affleck is a far better actor than his brother and Ben; well Ben is clearly talented behind the camera at least as much or more than he is on screen. Are there people so horrible that they don’t deserve the right to live? This movie will ask the compelling question. Eventually, who are the good guys and at what point do you become a bad guy? WOW! Who could be so cold to put a child’s safety at risk? [deep breath] Then again the story turns completely. Does what’s good for a child supersede the law? Who gets to decide? What would you do? The anti-climactic ending leaves you a bit un-sure. I guess the question remains, is right right? There are more questions than answers here. I am left a bit unsatisfied, with the end; but that may be the best way to leave it in this case. The movie is very much worth watching. Check it out. Hope this is Helpful!
- Phatz

ireviewnetflix.com rating: *** Casey Affleck is wonderful. The ending was wonderful, but the journey there had a some slow points along the way. Overall a very good movie.
- ireviewnetflix.com

Gone Baby Gone is a sobering, unreserved affair that manages maximum effectiveness in spite of a few ragged edges, unlikely scenarios and loose ends. The film marks Ben Affleck's directorial debut and stars his younger brother, Casey who's quickly becoming a hot Hollywood asset. Throw in some strong performances by an ensemble supporting cast, including Ed Harris, Amy Ryan, and Michelle Monaghan, and you've got a taut, intelligent thriller that rivals Mystic River for impact and The Departed for entertainment value.
- Frank W

Although I was skeptical about this movie, my wife and I watched it because Gone Baby Gone received so many accolades when it was released. Now, I'm glad we did. About ten minutes in, we looked at each other and said, "Wow, I'm really impressed. What a great film." It's a top-notch engaging story from the same novelist who wrote Mystic River, great acting from Casey Affleck, and what was most surprising - impressive directing from Ben Affleck. Unlike most actor-turned-directors who simply create vanity projects, Affleck truly has impressive talent behind the camera. No tricks, gimmicks, or over-the-top camera work here. The film is a well-crafted piece of work that draws you in and keeps you involved until the closing credits. In fact, I'd now argue that Ben has a real future as a director, while little brother Casey is the better actor in the family. Highly recommended for anyone who likes gritty crime dramas, mysteries, or enjoys films like Mystic River.
- Author Allen

This is one of the best movies I've ever seen. The plot is simple... a small child is abducted from her home while her coke head mom is at a bar getting high. The plot is simple, but the twist and turns in this movie are woven in and out to blend together one great movie. Ben affleck does a monster job in directing this movie. The cast makes every bit of this movie believable. Casey Affleck brings a smart and sometimes sarcastic Boston attitude to the film. Ed Harris and Morgan Freeman are on their game in their supporting roles. The movie is gripping and holds your interest throughout. The ending is somewhat hard to take but the moral conflict the Affleck character has at the end and the decision he makes works well in this movie because he is consistant throughout. This movie has the same feel as Mystic River in the tension, drama, and great acting. You will love this movie. It is WELL WORTH A WATCH!
- frgodbeyjr

I believe that GONE, BABY, GONE captures the overall tone of Dennis Lehane's Kenzie-Gennaro series very well. There is always that obstacle when you're a fan of the book first to accept any director's version of the story, and I had my doubts about Casey Affleck as Patrick Kenzie. As it turns out, he's probably perfect for the role. Certainly Michelle Monaghan is the perfect Angie. Ed Harris is also in this one, looking a little like Kris Kristofferson for some reason but still acting his backside off. Morgan Freeman has a small but important role as well. Not everyone will like the ending of this story. I'm not sure I do. Here's hoping for more adaptations of Lehane's work.
- Firewater

The movie opens with scenes from average people in Boston. Their homes, their faces, momentary flashes of their lives. Patrick Kenzie (Casey Affleck) is talking. He has those long “aws” that remind me of the Kennedy’s. That got my attention. Just that simple description and that accent. As he speaks about the city, he says that once he asked a priest how you can live in a city and not be ruined by it. The priest told him “you are sheep among wolves, be as wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” I like that. I think that’s pretty good advice. Patrick and Angie Gennaro (Michelle Monaghan) are two Boston area private detectives who generally specialize in skip searching. However, a little girl is missing. Her Aunt Beatrice (Amy Madigan) and Uncle Lionel (Titus Welliver) are the ones that want to hire Angie and Patrick. Angie doesn’t want to be hired. She doesn’t want to find a cute little girl in a dumpster or so shattered from abuse that she’s no longer the same little girl. But they agree to go meet the mother. Helene (Amy Ryan) is the mother and she is a piece of work. She is a coke-head, alcoholic that is more concerned with her buzz and her life than she is with her missing daughter. She is a loser with a capital “L”. So Patrick and Angie take the case. Every kid deserves a chance – especially one that didn’t have much of a chance to start with. Ben Affleck wrote and produced this film and he has impeccable timing. He paid attention even to the small details – like the accents. Just that simple touch made it real. Just seeing faces of people that were so obviously not actors but lived in the neighborhood, brought it home. Helene, being such a consummate loser made it real. This is a great movie. Ben Affleck is an awesome director and his brother Casey shines as an actor. This is one family to keep our eyes on. 4 ½ stars. (9/30/08)
- VIP Club

Gone Baby Gone might be hard for some to swallow. The movie is really good, but at the same time, it's a depressing and ultra-serious film. No jokes are made, every character is dead set in their ways. Casey Affleck is incredibly talented, and it shows here. He plays a private investigator who finds people. In the process, he finds corruption and other horrible things. Like I said, it's a great movie, but if you aren't into a very serious film, don't watch.
- MCWHAMMER

I like Casey Affleck and the last quarter of this movie makes you really think about what is right vs. what is best. I must admit to falling asleep during some part in the middle because it dragged, it was dark a lot, and I don't think the characters were developed enough, but once it got going, I was interested in how all the pieces were going to come together. The ending really made me think. Sometimes doing what is right isn't what is best and I think this film proved that. The little girl in this movie is adorable. I would recommend this one.
- Southern Belle 1

Despite Ben Affleck's involvement as writer and director, this is actually one incredible film. It of course was a major advantage for Ben to have such talent to work with, including Casey, who continues with every step to outshine Ben in every possible way. I also believe this is one of Ed Harris' best performances, even though his is a career littered with best performances. The story itself is wonderfully engaging and surprising, consisting of numerous plot twists which even the most astute viewer will have a difficult time predicting. Despite all the critical praise I had heard prior to seeing this, I was still cautious going in. Now I regret not seeing it sooner, as it is without question one of the best of the year and most certainly worthy of all that praise. Most highly recommended.
- Photo Heathen

This is a great movie. Casey Affleck does a wonderful job as a PI and Ben Affleck proves he has some talent behind the camera. The ending of this film is quite difficult to stomach, but I thought it was perfect. Any other ending would have felt cheap after the journey we had taken with these characters. I definitely recommend checking this out, but be warned you will probably not come out of this film feeling good.
- Brody