Welcome back to the Ben Affleck mini-series of reviews! This
series will review each of his four directorial feature films. This review will
focus on his second directorial effort, THE TOWN!
The Town is Ben
Affleck’s second film and brings him back to Boston (or Charlestown more precisely)
as the story follows a group of bank robbers doing jobs in the Boston area when
one falls in love and is ready to get out entirely. Affleck also stars in the
film alongside Jeremy Renner, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, and Blake Lively.
This film is brilliant and showcases why Affleck isn’t just
a good director, but a great one. It has incredibly visceral action, a well
assembled and organized ensemble, and a compelling narrative from start to
finish. Both in front of and behind the camera Affleck shines in this film and
proves that he really can do it all transforming into this tough
Charlestown-gangster character for the film but also having a soft side as his
character transforms within the movie.
The supporting performances in this film are also knockout
brilliant. Jeremy Renner in particular shines as a kind of aggressive and
spastic member of the crew with his own past and agenda that works so perfectly
in adding a flavor and fascination to the film. Rebecca Hall is also
serviceable in her role. There is one particular turning point where I thought
she did a good job but was otherwise ok. Jon Hamm also did a good job in the
film. I thought that when he was doing his most prominent acting moments he
stood out, although he did have a Boston accent that faded in and out at
random.
Beyond the direction, performances, and characters, this
film is just fundamentally (and unapologetically) cool. The scenes have an
incredibly gritty realism but also a fantastical sense of intrigue from the
costumes and such that make it just a joy to watch. Each set piece is filled
with tense moments as well as interesting things going on throughout.
I have almost no qualms with The Town except to say that I didn’t connect with its central
conflict on any kind of emotional level and I found Hall’s character to just
sort of be ok.
The Town is
excellent and is a directorial masterstroke from Affleck. The film is smartly
written, well directed and performed, as well as tonnes of fun to watch and
enjoy. Definitely a must-see film!
Ryan’s Score: 9/10
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