At the Movies with Fatwayne

This movie chronicles the true story of Christine Collins and her courageous fight against all odds to find her missing son. The incident occurred in 1928 in Los Angeles during a time when the police department was riddled with corruption and would say and do anything to protect their interest.

The movie is beautifully filmed and shows off that era in fine detail. The vintage cars and even the old Indian motorcycles are on display throughout the film. The costumes are authentic and do a great job of displaying Ms. Jolie’s gorgeous film presence. Don’t you just love period pieces?

Albeit, the movie’s 2 hour 20 minute run time could have been shorter without losing much, if anything. I did enjoy it and was pleased by the acting of an excellent cast. Jeffery Donovan (Capt. J. J. Jones) does a good job as the unscrupulous and uncaring juvenile division leader. John Malkovich (Rev. Gustav Briegleb) is positively mesmerizing in his performance as one of the only people willing to assist Christine in her search. And, speaking of Christine, Angelina Jolie does an astounding job of displaying the emotions that the real life Christine must have gone through. During the film, I often wondered how Jolie was able to shed so many tears. One thing I figured out was that she could not have possibly stayed in character during the entire filming or she certainly would have either dehydrated or gone into a deep depression!

The film’s title refers to a boy who is returned to Christine after her son went missing. Although the police and the press make a big deal of finding her child Christine knows that this is not her son and despite being pressured on all fronts, she pushes the powers that be to find her missing boy. All in all, it is a well told story with just a few weak ends we are asked to accept. This is not a happy movie but rather a movie that reflects director Clint Eastwood’s talents and one that will give you a feeling of having spent your ticket money in a worthwhile fashion.

Rated – R -

Fatwayne’s rating: