Review of Changeling (2008) by Daniel P — 19 Sep 2012

I liked Changeling more than I didn't, but I have the same complaint about it that I did Gran Torino: Eastwood can't direct children. The person he did manage to direct, though? Angelina Jolie.

She plays the kind of role you'd expect Sandra Bullock or Nicole Kidman to play - the big-hearted, put-upon fighter/mother - and though she comes over the top a couple of times, on the whole she did a great job of driving this movie despite being cast against type.

I enjoyed the supporting cast, and the look and feel of 1920s/1930s L.A., and I thought the latter half of the movie was downright spooky by times... even if it did get a bit formulaic. Not Eastwood's best - there can be only one Unforgiven - but much better than Invictus.

Totally watchable, maybe even rewatchable - I've been thinking about it for a few days since I saw it, which strikes me as a good sign.