“Kids forgive, they don’t judge, they turn the other cheek, and what do they get for it?”
– Detective Remy Bressant
SYNOPSIS: Two Boston area detectives investigate a little girl’s kidnapping, which ultimately turns into a crisis both professionally and personally. – via IMDB
I recall enjoying this movie quite a bit when it came out a few years ago, and then I read the book by Dennis Lehane and I freaking loved that, though it certainly wasn’t an easy read at all. Naturally I stumbled across this movie and thought now would be a good time to watch it again, and let me tell you, it lost a lot of the magic for me. Not because it wasn’t done well or anything, it just missed a lot of the things that made the book so great. Ben Affleck did a damn fine job directing this, and I think he has some real talent as a director. Casey Aflleck was very good here, though not quite what I pictured Patrick Kenzie to be. While I find that Michelle Monaghan is one of the most beautiful women ever, I honestly think she was a terrible Angie. Why? Angie is this sexy, loud, in-your-face, smart-as-a-whip cussing part-Italian with ties to the Boston mob… and Monaghan was just a little too timid, quiet and mousy for me, which really sucked. Also, Bressant and Poole were underplayed, and I felt the story was far too rushed, skipping out completely on the things that actually gave you chills, and didn’t spend time building on anything. For instance, there is the scene in the bar where it was implied that Angie and Patrick were going to get attacked and Angie raped, and that scene carried no power and no weight. I blame the writers for this, because the movie also had a ridiculously short runtime for what it needed to tell, and so a lot was cut out and discarded along the way, which is a pity. Don’t get me wrong, I know this sounds like I hated it, this is just a typical case of the book is better, infinitely so. The film is entertaining, though it certainly falls short, but it is worth a watch, if for nothing else other than seeing Ben Affleck’s impressive skills as a director.
wow, sounds like the book is amazing. I loved the movie, so I guess I should try and find the book.
Tnx Zoe!
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Definitely check out the book Rob, the movie truly pales in comparison!
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Now thats a recommendation I can get behind 😉
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Nice to see this reviewed! I think this is Affleck’s directorial debut, right? I need to so check it out. And then read the book, because it’s always nice having an experience elevated more rather than having it lessened. 😉
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That it was! LOL I agree with the order in which you wish to tackle this, it will definitely elevate the experience as oppose to lessen it that way around!
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I really enjoyed the movie, Batfleck is a very very good director.
I will definitely have to read the book as it sounds great.
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I agree with Affleck being a good director, his work has impressed me so far.
I highly recommend the book, well worth the time!
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I look forward to reading it!
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Great review, this sounds like something I’d find fascinating. I love a good thriller.
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Vinnie, I think you would definitely like this. Shutter Island and Mystic River also.
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Cheers for that Kim. I’ve seen Mystic River and Shutter Island, both exemplary movies.
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I should have guessed a film buff like you would have seen those Vinnie. Have you read any of Dennis Lehane’s books?
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No, sadly I haven’t read any of his books.
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If you ever have the time I think you might really enjoy them.
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I’ll be sure to read them.
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😊😊😊😊
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I hope you enjoy it when you do get to it!
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I’ll be sure to let you know my opinion on it.
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Great review Zoe! Dennis Lehane definitely puts the noir in Book Noir. Even though his books are never easy reads they’re always amazing! While I didn’t care for the movie as much as the book, I did still enjoy it.
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Thanks Kim! He is a bloody brilliant author. We are totally on the same page in relation to this.
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Hahaha! “We’re on the same page”! He is brilliant though. Plus I personally love that so many of his books are set in and around Boston.😊
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I have always wanted to see Boston at some stage, so many books and shows that I love take place there, so one day I would just like to see it myself!
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I’m only about a 1/2 hour away but ai never get tired of going into the city. There’s so much history there, and the museums are wonderful. My favorite is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum which unfortunately is famous for the art that was stolen there many years ago.😕 And then there is the shopping and yummy places to eat. Yum.
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One day when I make it to the States I will definitely try to make a trip there!
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Maybe we can meet up and I’ll play tour guide. 😊
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I would definitely take you up on that offer!
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Awesome!
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Bestie!
Great job as always!!
Sounds good
Kidney
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Thanks fairest! It is alright, quite a let down after the book though.
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This review has made me want to read the book.
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DO IT FOR GLORY!
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I love this movie! But you made the book sound so much better. I obviously only liked it, because I didn’t know what I was missing out on. I need to find time to start reading again. I might start there.
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You wouldn’t be wrong to start here, even if you start on this book (which is the fourth in the series), it works well as a standalone. I think you might enjoy the noir aspect of the books. Reading is glorious.
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