Super Frat

Yes, there is some very brief nudity with Angelina Jolie in Changeling.  It’s one of those sort of prisoner-gets-hosed-down scenes.  Not very sexy.  She’s smokin’ hot during the rest of it, but that’s not really what the movie is about.

Changeling is based on the true story of the Wineville Chicken Coop Murders.  A serial killer targeted young boys, including Walter Collins, in Wineville, CA in 1928.  His mother, Christine, went to the police after he disappeared.  The cops stumbled upon another boy, who lied and said he was Walter to get a free trip to California.  But when the cops realize their mistake, they insist Christine take the other boy anyway because they don’t want to admit their mistake.

John Malkovich plays a fiery pastor/radio personality that helps Christine fight the police corruption.  Directed by Clint Eastwood, the movie is yet another amazing piece of cinema.  It’s not as awesome as say, Unforgiven, but it is really a crisp piece of film making that captures not only the time period, but the essence of what makes a real corruption scandal.  Half the theater, oblivious to the sort of police behavior the movie portrays, probably just shrugged and said, “Well, that was 1928.”  The rest of us took one look at the movie and said, “Yeah, that’s how it works.”  Because, when it comes right down to it, the scandal is about the law enforcement community’s own hubris.  Even when faced with the possibility of a child serial murderer, the cops are still trying to figure out how to cover their own asses.

There is a little to no action or comedy, so the movie is kind of a downer, but Eastwood manages to deliver one ray of hope for the waiting mom at the end.

If you’re looking for explosions and titties, look elsewhere.  If you want to see a great piece of nuanced film making, see Changeling.  I give it 9 out of 10 beer kegs.