In this motion picture, no one believes the mother (Angelina Jolie); Everyone does believe the LAPD cover up. Things have sure changed in L.A. At one point the LAPD commits Jolie to a psychiatric facility, with an entire staff of “Nurse Rachets” in charge. She can only get released if she signs a paper saying the kid the LAPD has foisted off on her really is her little boy. This is good Kafka stuff – and gets more so the longer the fake kid (Gattlin Griffith) continues to claim he’s the real thing. Waterboarding wouldn’t break this kid down – let alone the tears of a desperate Mom. All a bit unbelievable, I’m afraid.

Jolie is tender, sensitive and strong at the same time. John Malkovich, stellar in a supporting role, plays Rev Gustav Briegleb who has a weekly radio program. He’s the only person in LA who believes Jolie’s story, and he is also no friend of the LAPD. Malkovich and Jolie fight the LAPD and the city’s bureaucracy to a furious finish.

Overall, the props, houses, cars and clothing represent the early 40’s very well. Kudos to the art director, set designer and costumers.

But please, don’t get Kafka’d away. The world is not all bad – in hard times or good. Seek out the good and the joy in life. It’s really a beautiful world.

Will Eastwood somehow finagle another Academy nomination for his Directing? Or will the Academy gift him with a nomination here for his score. It shouldn’t this time out – but they could “make his day”.

Written by J. Michael Straczynski
Produced by Clint Eastwood, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Robert Lorenz
Directed by Clint Eastwood

Cast:
Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich

Rated R, 140 minutes