The film is about a gang of masked guys that rob banks. They take a hostage for insurance one time. They do release her without harming her. In order to make sure that she can't ID them, Ben Affleck begins dating her. Then (of course) he falls for her.
I was a little apprehensive about this movie before going. I haven't seen Afflecks directorial debut Gone Baby Gone, but heard decent reviews. I was extremely impressed by his talents though. He stages action scenes very well. The romantic scenes are tender without being mushy. There are some really great overhead shots that give you a feel for the area. The script was penned by a crew including Peter Craig and Affleck himself. The love story is a little weak, but by the end of the movie they are able to pull it all together enough.
One thing that I liked about this movie is that I didn't know how it was going to end. There were almost and endless amount of roads this film could have gone down. I will say that while being a little more conventional that I would prefer, the ending was satisfying.
Blake Lively plays a drugged out barfly who is a former lover of Affleck. I only mention this because I have no idea who that is, but my girlfriend says she is on some TV show "Gossip Girl"? The only TV I watch is Turner Classic Movies. Apparently this role is a real break out from her normal typecast roles.
John Ham is in this as well. I am told he is very good on another TV show "Mad Men". Again I have no idea. Jeremy Renner from last years The Hurt Locker plays another one of the thieves. He continues with another good role and performance. The Boston accent can be a little grating, but the cast here don't abuse it.
The performance are solid all the way around. There are some good cameos. I really like Pete Postlethwaite in his small role. You might know him better as "Kobayashi". Kiaser Soze's assistant in The Usual Suspects. Another thing I like about The Town is that Affleck adds comedic elements at just the right time and in just the right amount. I would highly recommend this film. It is one of the better films that I have seen in theaters this year. It should garnish a few nominations come award time. For more information check out the link below for the trailer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXY_JvOK63c
Well, I am impressed my dear cousin! I loved the movie, and came on here to see if you had seen it and what your opinion would be...I half expected you to not like it, being a bigger budgeted film. Good review..I do have to say though that a Bostonian accent is always a little grating...even in real life:) Good review! Jamie
ReplyDeleteThanks. I was really impressed by the film. I don't have anything against big budget films. I can't wait to see The Social Network and a few other Hollywood movies. What I don't like is when a movie is made with the intent of appealing to the broadest audience possible. In those instances there is rarely a original idea in the whole thing. Independent films generally aren't worried about who see a movie. The film makers have a story to tell and that is what counts to them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words. Tune in. I will have reviews of at least 5 movies by the end of the week!