Review of Cropsey (2010) by Dustin G — 03 Dec 2010

Interesting, sad and even disturbing at times doc about missing children cases in Staten Island. The filmmakers explore a few missing children cases, one that was found dead, others that weren't found at all, and the subsequent prosecution and multiple convictions of Andre Rand for the kidnappings of some of the kids is presented by the filmmakers as Rand perhaps not being as at fault as everyone would like to believe. Still, the documentary doesn't provide the audience with enough info on Rand and the cases for us to make up our own minds, making it seem more like the filmmakers needed a boogyman that could still be at large to anchor the film's suspense and horror elements on.

Regardless of the films lack of info in some respects it's still a pretty fascinating and well made documentary not only on these missing children, but also on the very corrupt and inhuman mental health care facility in Staten Island in the 70's. Some footage from a Geraldo TV special on the institution is especially gruelling and difficult to watch.