Based on a true story, Clint Eastwood's latest is a solid but somber film that will impress and depress viewers simultaneously.Oscar nominee Angelina Jolie shines as single mother Christine Collins, who takes on incompetent, corrupt Los Angeles cops following their bungling investigation of the kidnapping of her nine-year-old son in 1928. Five months after the snatch, officers of the scandal-ridden LAPD announce they've found the boy and stage a photo op to reunite mother and son. But the lad is an imposter dredged up by the police for some good press, and when Christine protests too publicly, Captain J.J. Jones (Jeffrey Donovan) has her thrown into a psychiatric ward without due process. Eventually rescued by a crusading ally—evangelist Gustav Briegleb (John Malkovich)—the distraught mom continues her quest. Changeling is a long, sprawling yarn, which—like similarly-themed dramas such as Chinatown, L.A. Confidential, and Mulholland Falls—is an effective period piece that ably captures the rampant police corruption in La-La Land at the time. Jolie, Donovan, and Malkovich are well supported by Jason Butler Harner (as the captured kidnapper) and Geoffrey Pierson (as Christine's attorney). Changeling is a dark, unhappy film without so much as a scintilla of humor, but also one that is well worth seeing. Recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include a “Partners in Crime: Clint Eastwood and Angelina Jolie” featurette on the director and star (14 min.) and “The Common Thread: Angelina Jolie Becomes Christine Collins” character featurette (5 min.). Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are a picture-in-picture track with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, a “Los Angeles: Then and Now” viewing option allowing viewers to explore the visual history of the city, as well as archival images and documents related to the real-life individuals on which the film was based, the BD Live function, and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a solid true-life drama.] (E. Hulse)
Changeling
Universal, 142 min., R, DVD: $29.99, <span class=SpellE>Blu</span>-ray: $39.99, Feb. 17 Volume 24, Issue 2
Changeling
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: