The Afflecks deliver!
In an impressive performance, the Affleck brothers (Casey starring, Ben directing) adapt Dennis Lehane's novel masterfully. Notably, Casey delivers a searing, masculine performance as Patrick Kenzie, with Michelle Monaghan again showing she is a new star on the scene. Amy Ryan, who received an Oscar nomination for her supporting role as the mother of the missing child, is fantastic (and unrecognizable from her role as Beadie in 'The Wire' which Lehane also wrote for).
Because the source is the same author (Lehane) and the same setting (working class Boston), this should appeal to fans of Mystic River, as well as anyone who likes a dark detective story with great acting and snappy writing. It should be stated that the storyline is very dark, and involves the kidnapping of a small child - therefore, it's not for everyone. That being said, this one is well worth your time, and a film comes highly recommended.