Gone Baby Gone. But, I may be coming back with a gold statue.

Based on the Dennis Lehane novel about two Boston area detectives investigating a little girl's kidnapping, which ultimately turns into a crisis both professionally and personally.

This guy I know, let's call him Flanders (hopefully you get the reference), commented to me that he found this movie tough to watch. As the father of two young girls, I don't disagree. Considering the subject matter, it should be. If it's not for you, see a professional.

The thing I didn't expect was the way it unfolded. Pretty quickly you realize that this isn't about a upper middle class family being robbed of a loved one in the middle of the night. In fact, it couldn't be any more opposite to that scenario. This is the story of a single mother completely entrenched in the world of drugs that she has no concept of responsibility to herself, let alone the 5 year old daughter that she abandons to shape the plot.

As the opening credits roll you are introduced to private detective Patrick Kenzie, played by more than able Casey Affleck and his partner/girlfriend Angie Gennaro, played by Michelle Monaghan. Concurrently, you are brought up to date via news briefings on the state of the child abduction, now a couple days old.

The catalyst that gets the film rolling is the arrival of the child's Aunt and Uncle, played by Amy Madigan and Titus Welliver, to the detective's apartment/office and the pleading of help based on their knowledge of the neighborhood and people.

As I stated, we are quickly thrown into a world that has given up. A world that has surrendered to violence and drugs. People who are apathetic at best and believably horrid at their worst. During this introduction, we meet the authorities that are charged with solving this abduction: Morgan Freeman as Captain Jack Doyle, Ed Harris as Detective Remy Bressant and John Ashton as Detective Nick Poole. Not happy about being outsourced, but not too abrasive as you normally see in these movie situations.

True to form, as the sleuths begin to press, they start to uncover some unknown truths that set off the fireworks and delve you deeper than you'd rather go.

First off, let me say that there is no doubt in my mind that this will be up for best picture come February. I don't see much else out there between now and December 31 with this emotional impact, But we will see.

I've been saying it for years, Casey Affleck is the more talented actor of the two Afflecks. After seeing him in the farce Drowning Mona, I knew he could be the real deal. The Ocean movies showed off his comic ability, but with his recent Jesse James film and now this big time role, he has arrived.

I actually would not be surprised to see a triple whammy here: nominations for Best Picture, Best Actor, and you're reading it here first kids, Best Director. I'm probably being optimistic, because the film didn't suck. Anytime Ben Affleck doesn't suck, people tend to go so hard the other way with praise. I'm jumping on that bandwagon today, because he made a gritty, dark, emotional movie.

Michelle Monaghan lends a little grounding to the film. Though we don't see much of the movie through her eyes as it moves along, she turns an excellent performance on two seperate occasions when the film truly needs it to provide the emotional dilema.

Ed Harris and John Ashton don't truly veer much farther than previous roles they have played, but they are just what the movie asks for and needs in the detective roles. Morgan Freeman, plays a cop that's been through it all before and has become hard and jaded. Remember that as you watch the movie, it may help you.

Finally, Amy Ryan plays the embattled mother that can't pull it together, won't pull it together because there is no problem here. When someone potrays a character so well that you have no idea that she might be anything other than that role, you have a show. Now that I think about it, don't be surprised to get a Supporting Actress Nomination here. The Academy loves drug addled moms.

To sum up, see this movie for it's gritty realism, and it's story. It's more than what you think it is. The story will shock you, offend you, maybe hurt you; it's worth it and the closing scene is the most poignant I've seen in years. Be prepared for very strong language and situations. Once again, Rated R for a reason folks.

I give Gone Baby Gone 4.5 patron saint medallions out of 5 for a solid performance by everybody involved.

Elijah

Elizabeth: The Golden Age. Lookin' a bit tarnished there kiddo.

Seven Academy Award nominations. 10 years ago Elizabeth garnered seven nominations. Apparently, a lot changes in that gap.

Take this review with a grain of salt. Not because I was at a Mcmenniman's theater and swilling beer while watching, but rather because I was seething with anger when I exited that theater. Seeing red. Pissed off.

The first movie was full of history, intrigue, crazy french persons, assassins, the pope, a cold-blooded bodyguard, and overheated politicians. It actually inspired me to read everything I could get my hands on to learn more about this time frame and people involved. That was my downfall.

I quickly realized that dramatic interpretation was abundant in that film, but I was willing to forgive it and move on, because it was a GOOD movie. I liked it originally and was able to move past my new-found knowledge.

Then this was announced. A new chapter. The movement of Spain against England, the continued wooing by heads of state, the intrigue, imprisonment and execution of Mary Stuart, queen of Scotland. Wait a minute...they killed her off in the first movie. What are they going to do? How will they bring about the Spanish attack?

Regardless, I was still pumped to see this movie. They are adding Clive Owen, and Samantha Morton. Two actors I love. This couldn't be better! Then I saw it. Never again Shekhar Kapur, never again will I watch a film directed by you. First, Four Feathers and now this. I'm done with you.

It's like Mr. Kapur got the outline from the writers and returned it to them covered in red ink, demanding to know where the tragic love story was, where was the over-the-top, smarmy dialogue, where was the insane villain? Try again boys. In the end, he got what he wanted, and it's all in there. Of course, I'm just throwing stuff out there for your entertainment, but I do really feel this way in my gut.

In spite of the hate I'm spewing forth, I did find a few things to enjoy about this movie. The visuals are stunning! This director absolutely knows how to make a beautiful movie. Sets were large and open for the massive feel of palaces and churches. Colors were almost a character in this film. They helped describe the mood, the people surrounded by them. No doubt the cinematographer knows his stuff and what he/she wants to convey.

Despite the commentary on the colors, I did notice that the walls and some settings were stark white. Which brings me to the other thing I liked. This film will definitely win an Oscar come February...in costume design. As I was leaving to see this movie, someone made a statement to me. Someone with knowledge as a seamstress, and she only uttered two words: "Fabric Porn." After laughing at that term for about 30 minutes, I determined she was absolutely correct. Everything was elaborate. Clearly the settings were overly white for one reason: to highlight the costumes.

A major victory for this film in my mind was that they found a way to bring back Mary, Queen of Scots. How did they do this you ask? How about by completely ignoring that fact that they killed her in the first movie. Yeah, that's right. Didn't happen apparently. The closest thing I found to true history in this film was everything involving Mary Stuart. Her collusion in the assassination planning on Elizabeth and her execution were very close to what history records. Though, they did leave out a couple of horrible details in regards to the actual execution.

Finally, the actors/actresses all did their job, despite the contrived script. Cate Blanchett remains a favorite of mine and what she did was good. Her fury, her wit. All there and very commendable. You can not fault the actors in this film, Geoffrey Rush made the film for me in this and the previous film. I love his Walsingham. Samantha Morton played Queen Mary, and her brief loss of control is spectacular. Clive Owens was given crap to work with, but he did his best. He's not bad, everybody knows he is not a bad actor. I pity him, this role.

Bottom line, I'm biased, I know that. If this column suffers it's my fault, but I really hated what they did to the story here. I say to you, Mr. Kapur, inserting drama for drama's sake is not always necessary and can ruin a film. I will never forgive the stupid love story you threw into this film.

If you want to see a truer story of Elizabeth I, rent or purchase the HBO version starring Helen Mirren and titled, "Elizabeth I." In that version you will be told what occurred at the execution of Queen Mary. You will also see and hear the true speech that Elizabeth gave on the battlefield prior to the sea battle with Spain.

I give Elizabeth: The Golden Years 2 red wigs out of 5 red wigs. Wait for it to play repeatedly on cable.

Busy weekend

Well we've got two new reviews for you today here at the Concession Stand:

American Gangster
Dan in Real Life

That's not the end of it though. Over the next few days we'll have at least four more so keep checking back to read the following posts:

Elizabeth: The Golden Years
Michael Clayton
Gone Baby Gone
Lars and the Real Girl

Thanks for your support and if you have a request for a movie please leave a comment at the bottom of a post. Or, if you just have a comment or don't agree with an opinion please leave a comment. this column can be shaped by the readers, if you need to see something different let us know.

As always vote in the weekly poll on the right hand side!

The results of our last poll, favorite Nicole Kidman Movie ended in a three way tie with 3 votes each for Days of Thunder, Cold Mountain, and Yeah, Riiiiight. We did have a smattering of other choices but these three took the majority.

Thank you,

Your concession staff.

American Gangster. Or Heat: The Prequel.

Many pictures I could have chosen for this post. This one feels right. A family portrait. Reminiscent of the family portraits in the Godfather Films. After all, this is the story of the rise and fall of a man and his family. A true story. The story of a family that grew bigger than the mafia, if for only a short time. So this picture feels right.

This one sets a better mood though, and tells the story right there in it's frame:

Frank Lucas. Born September 9, 1930 in Lenoir County, North Carolina. From meager beginnings became the biggest African Amercan drug lord in the history of the United States.

This movie tells the story of Frank and on the other side, Richie Roberts the New Jersey detective that ran the operation to bring him down. Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe bring these two historic figures to life and the movie doesn't let up for nearly three hours as we see the beginning of Frank's rise and Richie's ideals that force the impending collision. The movie also showcases Josh Brolin, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and even Cuba Gooding Jr. shows us why he got that Oscar soooo long ago.

In 1995, the movie Heat was released. The modern day tale of a master bank robber, his men and the lawmen that brought them down. See the similarities? I'm betting Universal Pictures wants you to focus on the history so that you don't realize you watched this movie 12 years ago with The Godfathers themselves in the leads. Really, who can forget Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in arguably the biggest movie of that year?

What really matters is that none of that matters. This movie holds it's own and won't let you out of the seat to go to the restroom. If you do actually leave the theater to go to the restroom during a movie then get off this site, you're no fan.

This movie has it's own story to tell and that's what helps it differ from Heat. The fact that Frank Lucas was wise enough to go to the source. Cut out the middleman and sell his pure product on the streets of Harlem at a discount to the other hustlers tells you the genius. A man that nobody suspected because he appeared so clean that everybody knew him but the people who should have. This movie doesn't back down from the facts and shows the rough, but intelligent criminal genius in all it's glory.

You've seen Denzel's fury in Training day. Animal fury. This is different. This is cold, calculating, determined fury. Chilling. In every scene you know who's in charge. Clean the mantle Mr. Washington, you may need room for another gold statue.

On the other side of the coin is our hero. The incorruptible Richie Roberts as played by Russell Crowe. Flawed certainly, and that side is played up to show some form of vice in an otherwise saintly figure. For a long time, I preferred to skip Mr Crowe's movies. That all changed when he brought one of my greatest heroes from literature to life in Master and Commander. He did my imagination justice and I will pay attention to his movies for the remainder of his career.

In this movie, Russell plays the part perfect. With the smarts to figure it out, the naivety to show he is perhaps over his head, and the spirit to do the right thing. No matter what. You don't know who to root for in this film. You know how it's going to end, you know one of these men is a vicious killer in more than one way, but you almost want to root for both characters.

The movie moves at a perfect pace, keeping all the danger present. The intrigue sweeping along to a fantastic conclusion, once again reminiscent of the Godfather films. When Russell seems to be on to the operation you want him to succeed, you're right there with him wishing him to expose all the corruption. When Denzel seems to make a last huge attempt to keep the family alive, you want him to prevail, to keep the cops at the door sniffing for a trail they'll never piece together.

In my mind, I want to slight this movie a little bit. But I can't come up with a reason to do that. So this movie is my first full rating with 5 pure bricks out of 5 pure bricks. Don't kid yourself, this movie is very violent. See it in the theater, but be prepared, American Gangster doesn't &*%# around!

Elijah

Dan in Real Life. Really?

Steve Carell is a funny man. Few people would outright deny that. I can actually think of one person who would stand up and defy that statement, and when he reads this he'll know it's him. Let's call him Bizzaro Elijah. I believe Bizzaro actually does like Mr. Carell, but it's in his nature to take the opposite tack to me. Point is: people like Steve. Can I call you Steve, Steve?

Steve Carell has truly come into his own in the last few years. Everybody loved him in the movie that made his name more well known: The 40 Year Old Virgin. What about his nearly 6 year stint as a news correspondent on The Daily Show? Perhaps the funniest stuff I've ever seen from him, and a fantastic showcase for his talent. Of course, the dimwitted co-star of Anchorman: The legend of Ron Burgandy. "I once ate a bowl of Legos." Finally, the star of America's version of The Office. Can't be stopped, this guy. He may be at the top right now. This very moment.

Let us turn to Little Miss Sunshine. A very dark independent comedy, in which Steve played a suicidal gay college professor. A bit of a departure. But, tragically funny. Take the tragically funny essence of that movie and cross it with Sleepless in Seattle. Somewhere in that soup you'll find Dan in Real Life. Disturbed now? Don't be.

In the movie Steve plays Dan Burns. Dan Burns is a widower who dedicates his life to his children, but one day he meets Marie at a bookstore. They get to know each other, but then Dan finds out that Marie is....

But that would be telling. Dan is an apparently gifted, intuitive newspaper advice columnist. As the movie progresses, you wonder how a man who is still obviously depressed can have the emotional grounding to give wonderful advice. Particularly when he doesn't appear to heed any of that wisdom himself. His soul care in the world is to protect his children and keep them just that. Children.

What happens when a man so deep inside himself and his kids finally wakes up and sees a wonderful woman directly in front of him? Well that is what this movie explores. In the background. Because the conflict in this movie is actually an in your face, on the surface, different problem. Which if you choose to watch a preview, you'll know right away.

Believe me when I tell you that this movie is a romantic comedy. Up until this point you thought I was writing a review about a dark tragedy. The funny does come. In fact, the movie starts off with plenty of funny. Enough to pull you in. Nothing gets things going in a family comedy like a rebellious teenager, a wiser than her age child, and an overprotective father. Throw that mix into a larger than life family gathering and you've got a good recipe. Or you should have.

Steve plays the way I like him to play: confused, distraught, depressed, defiant. Throw fantastic actors like John Mahoney, Juliette Binoche, and Dane Cook in the there to play off of and everybody should have a good time. But when the main plot takes over and you are supposed to find the difficult situations funny, I started to find them stressful and sad. Maybe that's what made this film worth watching for me. I didn't just sit in the audience and laugh, I truly felt what Dan Burns was feeling.

My first reaction was to not want to write a positive review for this movie based on the uncomfortable feeling the second act gave me. Now I realize that's what this movie needs from you. Because the third act pulls you back. Takes you off the ledge. Saves you.

This is a formulaic movie. You've seen it many times over the years, but not this way. You know how it ends, but getting there is journey. Carell fans see it for the laughs. There are plenty, but take your wife. This is the one Steve Carell movie she'll appreciate.

Dan in Real Life gets 3.25 pancakes out of 5 pancakes from me this week. It's a perfect Sunday matinee movie. If that can't happen, wait for the rental and a quiet evening at home.

Elijah

Watching: Transformers and Veronica Mars, season 3

On deck: Angel, the complete series

Bee Movie: B- movie

So it begins. My movie week commences and the list is long my friends. So let's start off with the easiest movie to talk about: Bee Movie. The advertising whizzes are telling us that this is Jerry Seinfeld's baby and come hell or high water you have to see this movie and use your children as a beard to get in there. And they have been telling us to see this movie for a year. A YEAR people. So was this movie over hyped? I'll give you my comments and you can decide.

I took my 4 year old daughter, who loves to go to the cineplex, and if there happens to be a movie playing so much the better. I'll add her commentary at the end.

Here is your basic description: Barry B. Benson, a bee who has just graduated from college, is disillusioned at his lone career choice: making honey. On a special trip outside the hive, Barry's life is saved by Vanessa, a florist in New York City.

Sure, there is a lot more to this movie. In fact, that description doesn't even center on the major plot, but that is the section I'm going to focus on, because when it moves toward it's focus, that's when it lost my focus.

If you loved Seinfeld, even liked Seinfeld, then you will enjoy the first 30 - 40 minutes of this movie. The way it explores the world, gliding from one scene to another with the classic Seinfeld observations. I chuckled along merrily with the characters while my daughter joined me as our champion bee was involuntarily inserted into a sporting event. This is where we meet the movie's costar Renee Zellweger. The way she speaks is a little off though, and I could say something politically incorrect here and it would probably be upheld in a court of law, but I'll just leave it at: a little off.

When you look at the IMDB.com page for Bee Movie you will see a who's who list of actors that threw their voices in. It's amazing how many names signed up for this. Matthew Broderick was the straight-laced best friend who wants to do the bee thing and live his life, but is pulled in by Barry. And Seinfeld's main man Patrick Warburton, the man who brought The Tick to the small screen and played Elaine's off and on boyfriend Puddy in the show Seinfeld gives an over the top, mildly entertaining performance here. It's meant to be over the top, but I'm not sure that it actually works. I don't mind over the top, but this just seemed off as well.

It's so hard not to draw a comparison to the Seinfeld program, but this applies to both the sitcom and Bee Movie. When the over-arcing plot takes control, we lose the funny. That's not good for anybody. I cite the series finale as an example. The last few laughing moments are seen as the catalyst for the plot takes place. It's these scenes that introduce us to Chris Rock's few moments and they rock, no pun intended.

It was during the middle of the of the second act that my daughter asked me if we could go home. A four year old asked me to go home in the middle of a cartoon. My devotion to the readers and my faith in Jerry staid my retreat. I did finish the movie.

The conversation with my daughter transpired thusly:

"Did you like the movie?"

"Yes."

"What was your favorite part?"

"When the bees were flying around the park."

"Did you think it was funny?"

"A little bit, I liked it when the bee had a sword on his butt."

"Why did you want to leave?"

"I was scared."

"What scared you?"

"When the man was going to get stung."

Then I lost her to mom serving cookies at snack time.

As far as a rating goes, I give it 2.5 honey combs out of 5 honey combs. The laughs for me were all in the first third/half of the movie. Kudos for the talented voices, but I'm taking half away for scaring my child and losing my interest at about the 3/4 mark.

Elijah

Watching: Veronica Mars, season 3

On deck: Angel complete series