October 5, 2014 -- “Gone Girl” is an unusually adult film with some clever plot twists, but it just doesn't know when to quit as it rambles on and on and on to its conclusion. If you are looking for a smart film that is not childish, however, this is a good choice. There is some crazy stuff in this film, but it is better than most of the crap I've seen on the big screen this year. It is based on the best-selling book by Gillian Flynn.

Ben Affleck has had more than his share of show business ups and downs, from the Oscar highs of “Argo” and “Good Will Hunting” to being ripped by Trey Parker Matt Stone in their film, “Team America: World Police” and shredded by critical reviews of “Gigli” and “Pearl Harbor” and other films. He's back on top again with this wickedly complex film about problems in modern marriage and the shortcomings of the criminal justice system.

Helmed by award-winning director David Fincher, this film is centered around a battle between a man, Nick Dunne (Affleck) and his famous wife, Amy Elliot Dunne (Rosamund Pike of “Die another Day”). I've seen Pike in a few other movies and she didn't make much of an impression on me. In this film, Pike is amazing. She gives a powerhouse performance. I had no idea she was this good.

Nick and Amy seem to have a good marriage, until they both lose their jobs and most of the money Amy had in a trust fund her parents had established for her from book royalties from a series of children's books they wrote about Amy's life. Nick and Amy had become increasingly unhappy with each other. Then, one day, Nick comes home to find Amy missing (actually this happens first, the story of the deteriorating marriage is told in flashbacks). The police arrive, with Detective Rhonda Boney (Kim Dickens of “The Blind Side”) in charge. They notice a blood spatter in the kitchen and Nick becomes the suspect in his wife's suspected murder.

As the police continue their investigation, Nick looks more and more guilty as the evidence piles up against him. We also learn that he has an ongoing affair with a very hot former student of his, Andie Hardy (Emily Ratajkowski, whose one revealing scene in this movie should greatly boost her career in Hollywood). The evidence is convincing, but the lead detective, Rhonda has doubts. Some of the damning evidence seems like a setup. When police search the house, they find an envelope with the words “clue one” written on it. Police find more of these planted clues, including a diary which implicates Nick in the murder of Amy.

Amy's parents, Rand (David Clennon) and Marybeth (Lisa Banes) arrive on the scene and establish a major volunteer effort to find Amy. The case becomes a media circus because of Amy's fame. Increasingly desperate, Nick and his sister, Margo (Carrie Coon) hire a high-profile defense attorney, Tanner Bolt (Tyler Perry of the “Medea” movies). Bolt is right at home with this case. He even finds it amusing, even though it is deadly serious. Nick is facing the death penalty.

There are a number of real-world references in this film. The media circus around Nick is very much like the media circus around Ben Affleck at times in his life, particularly in the way the media attacks him and the way the public sentiment is for him, then against him, then for him, etc. Tyler Perry, one of the most successful men in Hollywood, has experienced much of this too. Despite the bad reviews of his films, he has made a ton of money with his own film production company. He is perfectly cast as a flamboyant defense attorney who is impervious to the critics of him and his client. Carrie Coon and Kim Dickens give great supporting performances in this film, along with Perry and Affleck. The acting in this film is top-notch.

I kept waiting for this film to end, but it refused to. It just kept going and going, well past the point where it had been interesting. I understand the point of the film, and why the story ended where it did. It just seemed to me to take too long to get there. Other than that, there is a lot to recommend this film. There aren't many adult films being made these days with language adults use and real sex scenes. This is one of those, and it isn't for those looking for Sunday school language. It also has graphic sex, nudity and violence. This film rates a B.

Click here for links to places to buy or rent this movie in digital formats, or to buy the soundtrack, posters, books, even used videos, games, electronics and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.

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