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Movies / On DVD / Changeling
Changeling

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Changeling (2008)

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Reviews Counted:192

Fresh:118

Rotten:74

Average Rating:6.3/10

Consensus: Beautifully shot and well-acted, Changeling is a compelling story that unfortunately gives in to convention too often.

Runtime: 2 hrs 22 mins

Genre: Dramas

Theatrical Release:Oct 31, 2008 Wide

Box Office: $35,707,327

Synopsis: At first, Clint Eastwood's CHANGELING could appear to be following too closely in the footsteps of his earlier Oscar winner, MYSTIC RIVER, since both films center on a missing child. But while his... At first, Clint Eastwood's CHANGELING could appear to be following too closely in the footsteps of his earlier Oscar winner, MYSTIC RIVER, since both films center on a missing child. But while his previous film was based on a Dennis Lehane novel, CHANGELING carries a particular weight because it is based on a true story, and one that isn't largely known. Angelina Jolie stars as Christine Collins, a single mother working in 1928 Los Angeles when her son goes missing. A boy is returned to her months later by the police, but she is shocked and disheartened when she realizes that the boy isn't her son. Joined by a crusading pastor (John Malkovich), Christine battles for justice against the corrupt L.A.P.D. while she continues to search for her child. Eventually her fight against the cops lands her in a mental hospital, where she is surrounded by others with a similar plight. At times, CHANGELING is incredibly difficult to watch. Jolie gives an authentic, anguished performance, and the on-screen tragedy is quite disturbing, largely because of its basis in reality. But Eastwood has crafted another Oscar-worthy film that is certainly worth sitting through, even if a tissue or two is required. Screenwriter J. Michael Straczynski had been best known for his work in science fiction (BABYLON FIVE) and graphic novels, but he makes an adept transition to feature drama with this film. Its unusual focus--on the victim and her struggle for justice, rather than on the criminal and the crime--brings further depth to the film. As always, Amy Ryan (an Oscar nominee for GONE BABY GONE) perfectly morphs into her role (this time as a prostitute imprisoned in the mental hospital), and the film's many child actors are compelling to watch. [More]

Starring: Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich, Jeffrey Donovan, Colm Feore

Starring: Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich, Jeffrey Donovan, Colm Feore, Amy Ryan, Michael Kelly

Director: Clint Eastwood

Director: Clint Eastwood
Screenwriter: J. Michael Straczynski
Producer: Clint Eastwood, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Robert Lorenz
Composer: Clint Eastwood
Studio: Universal Pictures

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Release:

Feb 17, 2009

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Reviews for Changeling

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1 - 20 (sorted by date)
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Reviews
Tomatometer Critic Review Category
tomato
2.5/4

Mike Scott

It's a gripping tale, as infuriating as it is jaw-dropping at times, but it also becomes a frustratingly sprawling one here.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Sep., 04 2009 12:44 PM

Times-Picayune

splat

Fernando F. Croce

Dreary, Oscar-or-die vehicle

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Aug., 26 2009 12:11 PM

CinePassion

splat

Maitland McDonagh

It's a strangely arid piece of filmmaking, handsome, respectful, unsensational and thoroughly lifeless.

Full Review Source: | comment 1 Comment | Mar., 02 2009 11:30 AM

Miss FlickChick

tomato
3.5/4

Wesley Lovell

Angelina delivers a fearless performance in a film that is far from conventional, but oh so lovely to look at.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Mar., 01 2009 06:31 PM

Oscar Guy

tomato

Felix Gonzalez Jr.

The film ... becomes more of an examination of ... the misogynistic contrivances movie heroines have consistently been put through for audience entertainment.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Feb., 16 2009 12:36 PM

DVD Review

tomato
72/100

Brian Webster

The story's impact is reduced by the filmmakers' decision to make everyone who is part of 'the system' not just complicit in the conspiracy, but also lacking humanity.

Full Review Source: | comment 1 Comment | Feb., 13 2009 10:42 PM

Apollo Guide

tomato
3.5/5

Philippa Hawker

There are moments when it seems as if it wants to be an inspirational story about a person who refuses to be beaten by a corrupt system -- but it doesn't, in the end, settle for the uplifting narrative.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Feb., 13 2009 04:15 AM

The Age (Australia)

tomato
4.5/5

David Stratton

Every element, including the photography, the production design, and Eastwood’s own plaintive music score, seems close to perfection.

Full Review Source: | comment 2 Comments | Feb., 13 2009 04:13 AM

At the Movies (Australia)

tomato

Julie Rigg

Changeling will engage both your fears and compassion, I have no doubt. And it will stay with you long after vou have left the cinema.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Feb., 06 2009 06:53 AM

MovieTime, ABC Radio National

tomato

Erin Free

This is an Oscar-calibre performance from Angelina Jolie. She conveys a sense of grief, desperation, fear, sadness and determination that is absolutely palpable.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Feb., 05 2009 10:51 AM

FILMINK (Australia)

tomato
3.5/5

Vicky Roach

A deftly handled tale about one woman's quiet and determined struggle to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Feb., 05 2009 10:50 AM

Daily Telegraph (Australia)

tomato
3.5/5

Sandra Hall

Eastwood is a director made for melodrama and this one proves a lot juicier than Gran Torino, with its dry, dogged sense of righteousness.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Feb., 05 2009 10:48 AM

Sydney Morning Herald

tomato
3.0/5

Tony Macklin

Clint Eastwood is a vital force of nature. Born May 31, 1930, the unflappable 78-year old director is still creating powerful, unique movies. Changeling is remarkable evidence of that.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Feb., 01 2009 02:09 PM

Fayetteville Free Weekly

tomato
4.5/5

David Stratton

Set this film alongside Gran Torino and it's evident that Eastwood is the most impressive classical director working in US cinema today.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jan., 30 2009 06:53 AM

The Australian

tomato

Andrew L. Urban

Stranger than fiction %u2026. and more powerful for it

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jan., 29 2009 05:49 PM

Urban Cinefile

tomato

Louise Keller

Changeling is unforgettable; for its extraordinary story, for Angelina Jolie's haunting performance, for its subtly beautiful cinematography, for Clint Eastwood's masterful filmmaking

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jan., 29 2009 05:43 PM

Urban Cinefile

splat
3/5

Pablo Villaca

Adota uma estrutura equivocada que o torna infinitamente mais longo do que o ideal, enfraquecendo ambas as tramas ao jamais explorá-las adequadamente.

Full Review Source: | comment 3 Comments | Jan., 25 2009 12:44 AM

Cinema em Cena

tomato
5/5

Jolene Mendez

Changeling offers powerful performance and storyline that won't leave you dissatisfied.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jan., 04 2009 12:13 PM

Entertainment Spectrum

splat
2.5/4

Michael Dequina

Eastwood and Jolie take their time trying to draw a realistic and complex character sketch, which runs at odds with the hyped-up surroundings and circumstances.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Dec., 30 2008 03:08 PM

TheMovieReport.com

tomato
6/10

Jeffrey Chen

Frankly, if Clint Eastwood added some arias, this might've made a pretty good opera.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Dec., 19 2008 03:09 PM

Window to the Movies

 
 
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Latest News for Changeling

February 16, 2009: RT on DVD: High School Musical 3 or Midnight Meat Train?
It's a good week for mediocre films (Body of Lies, Changeling, Quarantine and Flash of Genius, which all walk a fine line between Fresh and Rotten) and an even better one if... More...

February 13, 2009: Exceedingly commendable and daring fact-based Hollywood filmmaking. And resonant with an integrity and uncompromising truth certain to give the best of outsider indies a run for their money. A seasoned Hollywood screenwriter couldn't make this stuff up. Opens in new window
More...

February 13, 2009: Exceedingly commendable and daring fact-based Hollywood filmmaking. And resonant with an integrity and uncompromising truth certain to give the best of outsider indies a run for their money. A seasoned Hollywood screenwriter couldn't make this stuff up. Opens in new window
More...

January 15, 2009: BAFTA Nominations Announced Opens in new window
The full list of nominations for this year's BAFTA Film Awards. More...

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