REVIEW: Gone Girl

GONE GIRL
RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW

RATED: R

RUNNING TIME: 149 MINUTES

SCORE: ****1/2/*****

 

PREMISE: (Via IMDB) On the occasion of his fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne reports that his wife, Amy, has gone missing. Under pressure from the police and a growing media frenzy, Nick's portrait of a blissful union begins to crumble. Soon his lies, deceits and strange behavior have everyone asking the same dark question: Did Nick Dunne kill his wife?

 

THE PRO'S: Excellent on almost every level: Acting, Directing, Story, Visuals, Writing

 

THE CON'S: Falls apart at the end, and cumulates into one of the worst endings in recent memory.

THE REVIEW:

 

Gone Girl is probably one of the best films I've seen this year. It's got everything: a love story, intrigue, suspense, and a great cast of both actors/actresses and characters. But unfortunately, I can't say it's the perfect movie, because, and I'll say this now: the ending ruined its chances of being a perfect film.

 

For those who don't know, and have not been drawn into the hype already Gone Girl tells the story of Nick Dunne. A man who, after returning home on his anniversary to find his house in shambles, and his wife missing, becomes the central figure in a missing person's case. One that has the entire world asking the same question: did he kill his wife?

I have so many great things to say about this movie, so let me explain why I'm not giving this movie a five out of five first. The ending, as I've said, is plain and simple HORRIBLE. I walked out of the movie not only feeling numb, but ultimately, a little cheated. It fit the movie, sure, but overall it was just felt like something that was done for shock value more than anything. And I honestly can't stand it no matter what way I looked at the point of the ending.

 

But the good thing? This is the only real problem with the movie. Because otherwise, it's absolutely fantastic on every level. The acting is superb, with Ben Affleck seriously killing the role of Nick. It is, quite honestly, his best role I've ever seen him in. But quite honestly, everyone's performance here is great. With another huge shout-out going to the film's other star: Rosamund Pike, Carrie Coon, and Tyler Perry, who just kick all kinds of butt in their roles.

The story is also handled in a fresh and new way. With some great twists, and in a way that really just gets really awesome. The first act is engaging, but without giving anything away? The second act is mind-blowing, and absolutely intense. And for it's part, although the weakest part of the movie? Act three is pretty good too up until it's rather disappointing conclusion.

 

But the film's strongest point, by far, is the writing up until the ending. Everything about it is just fantastic, realistic, and surprisingly, unpredictable. Just when you think you know where the movie is going, it takes one twist after another, and slaps you with a serious case of "you don't know anything". And that's where Gone Girl truly succeeds, because it just is so fun to unravel the mysteries and the deep dark secrets that drive it.

 

And most of all? Gone Girl is just an epic thrill-ride. I don't know that I could call a movie with this subject matter "fun", but it's definitely entertaining and intense. On a level that I haven't really seen in movies of its kind in a while. And I definitely think that in future years, this is going to be a classic. And despite not being "perfect", it earns that title to its fullest.

 

I'm going to cut this review short in hopes I won't spoil this movie for anyone. As a result, I will say...

 

IN CONCLUSION:

 

If you're a fan of movies like this? Definitely see it! It's a thrilling, engaging, and suspenseful story that impresses on every level. Just be sure to go in with somewhat low-expectations for the ending if you're like me. Because it's the one and only part of the movie that falls flat.

 

4 1/2 OUT OF 5 STARS

Highly Reccomended