This movie was nothing short of outstanding! 

A first rate cast with Morgan Freeman, Casey Affleck,  Michelle Monaghan, Ed Harris. John Ashton and an outstanding performance by Amy Ryan.  I must mention that Casey's brother Ben Affleck directed this film and shares a writer credit.  

The movie takes place in Boston.  I suppose that is why I think this film was tailor made for Casey.  I have seen him in other films like the Ocean's series and the fantastic movie Good Will Hunting.  But this is the first serious leading role that I have seen for him.  He did great! 

One of the things I watch for in a first for a leading role is to see if the actor is 'acting'.  Well, Casey wasn't acting, he was simply letting the part play itself.  Boston oozes through his veins in this film.  (Hmmm... how bout some chowder?)

The movie starts off with a kidnapping.  Casey and Michelle's characters are hired by a family member to augment the police investigation. This works because the potential witnesses are criminals themselves.  They feel more comfortable spilling the truth to a local boy (Casey) who they know won't turn them in to the cops. This pretty much forces the police to work with him.   

The movie moved so naturally and on tempo that I didn't notice the plot twists. I Was genuinely surprised when the story changed direction.  Around an hour and fifteen minutes into the movie I got the feeling that it was over and that it was going to wrap up.  Not so! For the next thirty  minutes I was spellbound until the very end.

Amy Ryan's performance was nothing short of spectacular.  She offered a commanding presence on camera and I can't imagine someone else with her role.  Gosh, I have to find some more movies that she has been in to see if she is really that good! 

This one is very high on my list.  If you like crime mysteries, then this is a MUST SEE!