http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/10/21/GONE-BABY-GONE-Double-Afflecks-Do-Good.aspx From the very beginning of his career, Ben Affleck appeared destined for Big Things.  He had everything: good looks, ability and smarts.  But Hollywood works its magic in mysterious ways. After a while, it seemed as though every one of Affleck’s positive accomplishments was accompanied by something that tarnished his reputation.  Consider his very public relationships with Gwyneth Paltrow and of course JLo.  Certainly he can date anyone he wants, but both these associations reeked of Paris Hilton rather than someone serious about his craft.  While a dirt-hungry media may be blamed for the brouhaha surrounding those affairs, he has no one but himself to blame for GIGLI and JERSEY GIRL.   After watching those two, I don’t think any one can be blamed for wondering if the Academy Award he shared for co-writing the screenplay of GOOD WILL HUNTING was a fluke. It turns out that the Cassandras were premature.  GONE BABY GONE, Affleck’s debut as a feature film director, shows a remarkable level of sophistication on many levels.  He tackled a difficult and potentially controversial subject, missing children.  He wrote a screenplay based on a Dennis Lehane book and managed to make the transition from printed page to screen while maintaining the book’s nourish qualities.  But most of all he made an engrossing, suspenseful film that grabs you from the first frame. en-US Critics Rant info@criticsrant.com Subtext Version 1.9.4.0 http://www.criticsrant.com/images/default_gravatar_bullhorn.png http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/10/21/GONE-BABY-GONE-Double-Afflecks-Do-Good.aspx 77 60 http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/10/21/GONE-BABY-GONE-Double-Afflecks-Do-Good.aspx#2003 Now, this aught to be interesting. a good topic, and a director's debut from a wonderful young actor. I will have to catch this one! catwritescc http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/10/21/GONE-BABY-GONE-Double-Afflecks-Do-Good.aspx#2003 Sat, 03 Nov 2007 11:36:16 GMT http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/10/21/GONE-BABY-GONE-Double-Afflecks-Do-Good.aspx#2157 i will watch when it comes on dvd:) tinkluvspan http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/10/21/GONE-BABY-GONE-Double-Afflecks-Do-Good.aspx#2157 Sun, 11 Nov 2007 13:33:23 GMT