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Here's a look at the new movie I saw this week.

Gone Girl
Starring: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Tyler Perry, Carrie Coon, Neil Patrick Harris, Kim Dickens, and Casey Wilson
Synopsis: Adapting a popular novel is tricky. Many have tried, and few have succeeded. But then again, few are David Fincher. “Gone Girl” isn’t Fincher’s first foray into popular fiction, but it is one of the most anticipated films of the year. Everything about “Gone Girl” has been dissected — from potential plot changes to the casting of Ben Affleck. But the finished product is nothing sort of a crime noir worthy of its director. “Gone Girl” might not end up being the best film of the year, but it’s certainly the best mainstream release so far. It features strong performances, an engrossing story and the personal touches of a fantastic auteur. “Gone Girl” is the kind of movie where you can’t really discuss much of the plot without giving it away. It’s a mystery. What happened to Amy Dunne, and why? Those that have read the book will be familiar with the plot, and all the turns it takes. But I won’t spoil it for those seeing the movie — and engaging with the story — for the first time. What can be said is that the story doesn’t go where you expect. Author Gillian Flynn, who wrote the novel and adapted the screenplay, has built a story that plays with familiar tropes. The first part of the film feels like it wants to tell one story, but quickly morphs into something else. Whereas the mid-point reveal would often be the zinger at the end of films like this, it’s just a place to jump the story off in a new direction in ‘Gone Girl.” Fincher also brings his cinematic style to the story. He’s had a string of great explorations of darker stories of human nature, from “Zodiac” to “The Social Network” to “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.” Fincher does the same with “Gone Girl,” which moves along well and holds interest despite being a two and a half hour film. There is so much ground to cover, and so much to explore, that you never get bored. But what really makes the film work are the performances. Comedic actors Neil Patrick Harris and Casey Wilson play against type in great supporting performances. Coon, who is having quite a break out in 2014 after starring in this summer’s HBO drama “The Leftovers,” does a great job as Nick’s sister, Margo. Perhaps one of the most fascinating performances in the film belongs to Perry, as laywer Tanner Bolt. Perry is best known for his wacky characters — such as Madea — but he plays something very different here. He brings a charisma and gravitas to the part — something that was missing when he tried to fill Morgan Freeman’s shoes in “Alex Cross” — and delivers some of the best lines and best moments of the film. Perry also looks like he’s having fun, which adds a tough of humor to a dark and twisted tale. But really the film comes down to its leads — Affleck and Pike. Affleck has made a career of playing good guys, but that’s not exactly what he is here. Nick is a flawed individual with plenty of secrets of his own. Affleck embraces the role and delivers one of his better performances. But this movie ultimately hedges on Pike. She does a lot of the heavy lifting through her narrations and other sequences. Her characters has a lot of sides and a lot of dimensions, and Pike is equal to the task. Without her work, this film could fall apart. That it doesn’t — and that it inspires a flood of emotional reactions — is a credit to her performance. “Gone Girl” is a mystery, but it’s not. It’s a layered movie that appears to be one thing until it turns the corner and does something else. It’s a well-crafted film and a fun ride. It also feels like the kind of movie that could be a player come awards season.
Rating: R for a scene of bloody violence, some strong sexual content/nudity, and language. Enter with caution.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:

Friday, October 10 — "The Judge," "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day," "Addicted," "Kill The Messenger," "Dracula Untold," "Whiplash"

Friday, October 17 — "Fury," "Book of Life," "Men, Women, and Children," "Birdman"

Friday, October 24 — "Ouija," "John Wick," "St. Vincent"

Friday, October 31 — "Nightcrawler"