Changeling

As I have previously stated, I love movies that are based on a true story. Knowing that something really happened helps me to relate to the story and care about the characters immediately. This film had an intense plot, was excellently written and directed, and was a pretty outstanding watch. Having said all that, I have one complaint about the film...Angelina Jolie. Again, I am biased against her...this bias goes back to the obvious affair between Jolie and Brad Pitt during the filming of Mr. and Mrs. Smith. When I think of her, I think of a home wrecker...mean, I know. I also am not impressed with the adopted children from foreign countries due to the fact that I know that there are hundreds and thousands of children here in the US that could also use a loving family. Despite my bias of her personal character, I have often felt that she is a good actress with immense passion for what she does. But I have noticed over the past few years that she is desperately seeking a Best Actress Academy Award. She has been hand picking parts that are heart wrenching and that might get her to that goal (including A Mighty Heart last year, and Changeling this year). When I watch a film like Changeling, I want to feel empathy and compassion for the leading lady. I want to believe that the events in the film actually happened to her...but in this case, I felt like Jolie was acting...I didn't believe her in the part. I want to believe she is a good person, I really do, but I just don't. I recently watched a Biography of her life, and it just solidifies my disdain for her. Anyway, despite my dislike of Jolie, this was an excellent film that deserves at least 4 1/2 pigs (it would have received 5 if I could just relate to Jolie's character).