Changeling, 2008

A true story. Not based on a true story or on actual events. Changeling declares all of it is true. And it is, making this story from the late 1920s that much more heart-wrenching and powerful. Christine Collins (Angelina Jolie) is on a crusade to find her missing child, Walter. Her journey leads to and stint in a mental institution, and the uncovering of countless lies and cover-ups by a supremely corrupt Los Angeles police force. Little-by-little morals overcome corruption, and the search for Walter shows promise. Another boy, Sanford Clark, is living on the Northcott Ranch illegally as a Canadian citizen. When he's taken in by police, he tells of the horrors done at the ranch. Up to 20 kids, one of whom might be Walter, were captured by owner Gordon Northcott (Jason Butler Harner). But what did Northcott do with Walter? That's where the movie turns from an interesting build-up to greatness in the payoff. We've seen the struggle and fortitude Christine exhibits. Now we want to see the triumph. We're begging for it. Director Clint Eastwood makes us wait in agony, just like Christine does. Changeling is about how people rally behind one in an effort to bring change. They've seen the injustices done to Christine and want desperately to see her victorious. So do we. Jolie earned a ?Best Actress? Oscar nomination for this role. She's the heroine and victim all at once. The biggest problem with Jolie is that it's hard for an audience to disconnect the name from the character she's playing (i.e., Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft, not Lara Croft played by Angelina Jolie). In Changeling she successfully transcends her name and becomes Christine. Five stars.

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