By Ricky Simpson

Changeling

Clint Eastwood can manage to take an inspirationally patriotic tale of American soldiers planting the flag at Iwo Jima and turn it into a dreary account of alcoholism. And the only way “Million Dollar Baby” could have been more heartbreaking is if he killed a puppy at the end. His darkest films may be the most tear-jerking ones, but they are always Oscar’s favorite.

The true story of “Changeling” takes place during the 1920s in Los Angeles, where Christine Collins (Jolie), a loving single mother, finds her son missing and franticly pursues an investigation. After five months of searching, Christine is finally reunited with her son only to realize the young boy is not her child.

At the time the Los Angeles Police Department was taking heat for corrupt practices and unlawful treatment of civilians; they used the return of the missing Collins boy as a way to prove their worth. When Christine insists that the boy returned to her is not hers, the police become defensive and place her in an insane asylum. With the help of a local reverend (Malkovich), Christine begins to uncover a greater conspiracy within the department and soon begins to take action.

Everyone loves a true story and this one is quite captivating, yet disturbing. “Changeling” thrives on aggravating emotions, whether it be heartache for the longing mother or infuriation over the mishandling detectives, but the film comes off as feeling hollow, like the emotions are forced. Through the dreary colors, almost black and white colors, the entire film feels like a rainy funeral.

“Changeling” runs 141 minutes and is rated ‘R’ for strong language and violent ideas. The 141 minutes is a big loss in this film. There are several scenes that could have been left for the directors cut DVD, which makes the film drag a tad because there are several climaxes with falling action followed by another climax. It didn’t work in this case and the editing booth should have been more aggressive.

Despite its flaws, “Changeling” does have a riveting plot that can touch many. Still, it leaves me more excited for Eastwood’s upcoming Nelson Mandela project “The Human Factor” due out in 2009, which is sure to put his Oscar train back on track.

Grade: C+

Opening Today

Soul Men

The Plot: After a twenty-year breakup, two soul singers (Jackson, Mac) come together for a reunion performance at the Apollo to honor a recently deceased band member.

The Scoop: I know the plot doesn’t sound all that funny, but the bickering soul group could produce some laughs. Of course the passing of Mac is an issue regarding the success of this film, but the question of whether or not he can pull a Heath Ledger isn’t cut and dried just yet, seeing that this performance isn’t as highly anticipated as the dark Ledger performance.

Role Models

Plot: Two frustrated men (Rudd, Scott) in an unsatisfying job get caught up in some trouble with the law and are given the choice of community service where they choose to partake in the local Big Brother program. The men are paired up with a unique, but hilarious youngster that each man has significant troubles connecting with.

The Scoop: If you remember Bobb’e J. Thompson from the short-lived “The Tracy Morgan Show,” you know this twelve year old is a surefire scene-stealer and a quick-witted crackup. The problem facing this comedy is it is the second week for “Zac and Mira” and there’s the small hurdle of “Soul Men,” both of which could water down its opening weekend.

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

The Plot: After being stranded in Madagascar, a group of pampered New York City zoo animals repair their damaged airplane and leave Madagascar hoping to get back home. When the plane fails, the group crashes; landing in the thick of Africa, their primal instincts must come into play.

The Scoop: The original “Madagascar” grossed over $193 million in the box office, but had mixed acceptance from the public. The fact that it took three years to pump out this sequel is a bit confusing. It is possible that the long hiatus for such a forgettable animated film may hurt its release.

Repo! The Genetic Opera

The Plot: In the middle of the 21st century, organ failure has become a worldwide epidemic. Therefore, a large company now specializes in organ transplants, but when you miss a payment, The Repo Man comes to collect.

The Scoop: This is what a film would look like if Rob Zombie and Baz Luhrmann created a musical. Darren Lynn Bousman, director of “Saw” II-IV, tackles this highly inventive rock opera. And with the backing of Twisted Pictures, this picture could be a no holds, bar cringefest ranging from scalpels to chainsaws.