Strong performances from Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx makes this thriller about a widowed husband turned vigilante top notch.

But I’ll warn parents: this movie earns its ‘R’ rating early and often with some brutal violence… its not for kids.

(My spoiler-free review)

From F. Gary Gray, director of some hits (”The Italian Job”, “The Negotiator”) and misses (”Be Cool”, “A Man Apart”)… comes a great thriller that challenges the justice system as a vigilante blurs the line between justice and vengeance.

After an attack on his wife and daughter that he’s forced to watch and one of the suspects get a lighter conviction after a deal, Clyde (Butler) thinks that he’s dealing with an impotent legal system, and that his wife and daughter were denied justice, he decides to go after the suspects… and the system.

Nick (Foxx) is the up-and-coming Prosecutor trying to protect his 96% conviction rate so he can become the Assistant District Attorney … he makes the deal in Clyde’s case that becomes the most frustrating mistake of his career.

In an ironic perversion of justice for the audience, you find yourself rooting for the bad guy, but are then challenged by a character who may be taking his message too far. (more…)

(RE-POSTING from 11/3/08,
I’ve re-posted this as best as possible, I’m still trying to recover complete original post)

“Changeling” is a spectacular 9.5 that grabs hold of your heartstrings, as the actors tackle difficult subject matter like pros, Clint Eastwood gets another cast to step up their performances – this movie is Academy Award worthy on so many levels: acting, story, directing, costumes, sets, etc…

“Changeling”

(2008) (rated: R for some violent and disturbing content, and language) (2 hr, 21 min)

Starring: Angelina Jolie, Gattlin Griffith, John Malkovich, Jeffrey Donovan, Colm Feore, Michael Kelly, Frank Wood, Michelle Martin, Devon Conti, Amy Ryan, Jason Butler Harner, Eddie Alderson

Director: Clint Eastwood

Genre: Crime/Drama/Mystery/True Story

The Plot: A mother’s prayer for her kidnapped son to return home is answered, though it doesn’t take long for her to suspect the boy who comes back is not hers.

MY TAKE:

… (more…)