I don't think there is a more talented American filmmaker than Clint Eastwood. He's the quadruple threat with an ability to write, direct, act and even score award-winning films.
Eastwood routinely gets Academy Award-winning performances out of his actors and actresses. The Changeling is another notch on his gun.
It's
The Changeling hits uncomfortably close
to home
Facing every parent's worst nightmare, the young mother calls the police. That's when her trouble really begins. The LAPD of the 1920's is unpopular and corrupt and after blowing her off, they fill out a report and forget about the case.
Enter a crusading radio preacher (a brilliant performance by John Malkovich) who takes her cause to the airways like a depression-era Nancy Grace. His microphone is a bully pulpit that he uses to goad the LAPD into action.
The police do find the now 10-year-old boy, but there's just one problem. He's the wrong kid. The police captain convinces Mrs. Collins (Jolie) that she's just overwrought. She'll see that this boy really is her son after she gets him home.
Time does nothing to convince the anguished mother this isn't her son. The evidence is clear. This kid is three inches, shorter, circumcised and isn't recognized by his teachers, classmates or family physician. They got the wrong guy.
The LAPD doesn't care. There was a missing kid. They found the missing kid. Case closed. It's the feel-good story of the year.
Not for Mrs. Collins. She battles the police to re-open the case and find her real son. Her crusade is met with contempt and corruption. LAPD is not amused and throws everything at her including a trip to the
When the last honest detective gets involved, things turn around for the beleaguered mom and the mystery of the child's disappearance is solved (sort of).
In light of the recent headlines concerning missing and exploited children (Caylee Anthony; Sandra Cantu and others) The Changeling hits uncomfortably close to home. No, it's not the 1920s. But, when seen through the eyes of a masterful storyteller like Eastwood, we realize that things really haven't changed all that much.
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Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
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