True stories are a dime a dozen in film. Often, it seems as though production companies think they can make a film sound meaningful and profound, simply by throwing "Based on a True Story" at the end of a preview. Problem is, most of the time they're right, whether the film is any good or not, and people flock to the theater to watch all the (often awful) melodramatics play out on screen. And even if the film stinks, there's still bound to be a gaggle of weepy filmgoers exiting the theater.
Fortunately for us more critical types, there are films like Changeling, which tells one of the most fascinating historically-based tales I've come across. Christine Collins (Angelina Jolie, who is absolutely devastating in an Oscar-nominated role) comes home one day to find her son missing. What at first looks to be a simple story of a woman's emotional journey through hardship is dosed with dark malevolence when the LA Police (a then vastly corrupt organization) try to foist someone else's child on her. What ensues is an almost unbelievable chain of events, kept in motion by the absolute power of the police and their desire to hide the fact that the boy they found is actually not Christine Collins' son.
The emotional power of this film is astounding, much of which is due to Jolie's searing performance as a mother dealing with incomprehensible and uncontrollable circumstances. John Malkovich (who can go either way, really) also turns in an understated yet powerful performance as a reverend who has made it his life's goal to expose the LAPD. But the real heart of the film lies in the amazing story it tells and the lessons society can learn from it. Our Netflix pick.
[Why is Netflix fabulous? Find out and try it free for 2 weeks, after the jump]
Fortunately for us more critical types, there are films like Changeling, which tells one of the most fascinating historically-based tales I've come across. Christine Collins (Angelina Jolie, who is absolutely devastating in an Oscar-nominated role) comes home one day to find her son missing. What at first looks to be a simple story of a woman's emotional journey through hardship is dosed with dark malevolence when the LA Police (a then vastly corrupt organization) try to foist someone else's child on her. What ensues is an almost unbelievable chain of events, kept in motion by the absolute power of the police and their desire to hide the fact that the boy they found is actually not Christine Collins' son.
The emotional power of this film is astounding, much of which is due to Jolie's searing performance as a mother dealing with incomprehensible and uncontrollable circumstances. John Malkovich (who can go either way, really) also turns in an understated yet powerful performance as a reverend who has made it his life's goal to expose the LAPD. But the real heart of the film lies in the amazing story it tells and the lessons society can learn from it. Our Netflix pick.
[Why is Netflix fabulous? Find out and try it free for 2 weeks, after the jump]
Why is Netflix
the best source for DVD rentals?
There are so many reasons you really have to sign up to understand. But, here are a few to get you thinking:
- Netflix offers plans from $4.99 up to $47.99 per month, letting you rent from as
few as 2 movies per month, to an Unlimited number.
- You
can keep the movies for as long as you like. NO late fees, and no driving
to the video store at 10 pm.
- You
can stream movies online or direct to your TV (with appropriate
equipment), and most memberships allowing unlimited streaming.
- Just
pop the watched DVDs in the mail, and a couple days later you receive the
next movie(s) on your list.
- Many
films are now available in a Blu-Ray option, so you can watch your
favorites in stunning High Definition.
If you haven't already jumped on the bandwagon, consider it the next time you plunk down $3.99 for that movie at your local video store. And if someone's birthday is close, consider a gift membership! The 2 Week Trial is a great way to get started. Netflix.com
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