BRIEF THOUGHTS: Gone Baby Gone

Director: Ben Affleck
Starring: Casey Affleck, Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris
Plot: A private detective investigates the disappearance of a little girl and uncovers a shocking secret.
Thoughts: Consider me stunned - Ben Affleck is one heck of a director. I knew the guy could write, but this film shows that Affleck is one of the few people in Hollywood that is above average at acting, writing and directing. Though there are a few editing flaws, this is one of the most gripping mysteries I've seen in a long time, as well as one of the darkest and most morally complicated. Props to the writer for asking the tough questions. Be warned, though, you'll have to pay very close attention or you'll miss important details and wind up very confused. I'm still not 100% on all the details, but I'm nevertheless impressed with what Affleck has accomplished. Might we be seeing a nod his way come Oscar season?

BRIEF THOUGHTS: Across The Universe

Director: Julie Taymor
Starring: Evan Rachel Wood, Jim Sturgess
Plot: A young man travels to America to confront his estranged father, whereupon he falls in love and gets caught up in the revolutionary fervor of the 70s - not to mention the whole film is a musical formed around songs by The Beatles.
Thoughts: The music is, of course, fantastic. Unfortunately, the film as a whole is pretty uneven. Though it's peppered with moments of brilliance (and the last 20 minutes is about a perfect as you could get), a lot of the scenes feel like they only exist to contain another famous Beatles' song rather than serve the story any purpose. If you're looking for a well-developed story and characters, definitely look the other way. However, there is something to be said for the film's visuals, and you might consider buying the soundtrack.