Jim's Go or Don't Go - Changeling

Sometimes a film is only believable because it is based on a true story. That's the case with 2008's Changeling, directed by Clint Eastwood. It's the factual account of a mother whose little boy disappeared, and of a corrupt Los Angeles Police Department.

OK, that doesn't sound so hard to believe, but what follows is almost beyond comprehension. Angelina Jolie plays Christine Collins, whose 9-year-old son, Walter, turns up missing in March 1928. In an effort to cover up their own incompetence and corruption, LAPD returns the wrong child to Collins and tries to convince her that he actually is her son. Her efforts to fight back against this insane scheme by the police eventually result in her being forcibly admitted to a mental institution. Aiding her in her cause to be freed and fight the corrupt system is a Presbyterian minister, Rev. Gustav Briegleb (John Malkovich). The film portrays a gut-wrenching series of events documenting Collins' search for her son and ultimately, justice.

A few weeks ago, I had never even heard of this movie, but I am huge Clint Eastwood fan, (as a director and actor) so Carrie moved it to the front of the Netflix queue (I have such a thoughtful wife!). Jolie is excellent as Collins, a mother who experiences the unthinkable. She's a strong, hardworking, decent person who tries to do the right thing in the face of unbelievable corruption and circumstances. Jolie is near-perfect; she never goes over-the-top in her performance. You'll despise Jeffrey Donovan as the dirty police captain J. J Jones. Malkovich is his usual intense self as the unstoppable, crusading pastor. Jason Butler Harner is wonderfully psycho as serial killer Gordon Northcott and even little Devon Conti does a great job at playing the creepy substitute boy.

At times that I thought the film came close to being a little too courtroom-drama-with-a-cause, but stopped short and got back on track. And the film looks amazing. It's almost like walking into a time capsule of 1928 Los Angeles. Sometimes the best CGI is the stuff you don't notice.

There are a few scenes of some pretty disturbing violence, but they are off-camera and there are just a couple of instances of profanity. It's a long movie at 2 hours and 21 minutes, but it didn't feel like it. This movie will put you through a wide range of emotions, and like life itself, there is no perfect ending where every question is neatly answered.

Even Carrie, who is no fan of Clint or Angelina, liked this one. I say "Go."