I can't say that when I first saw trailers for Ben Affleck's new crime drama "The Town" that I was very excited. Not that I didn't think it looked like a thorougly well-made film, but simply because it all seemed like it had all been seen so many times before. To me, the very title itself was a testament to how generic I thought this film looked. Although it doesn't entirely escape that assumption, Affleck's latest effort actually manages to be a taut and engaging heist film that is carried by the strength of its acting performances.
SO WHAT'S THIS MOVIE ABOUT?
The movie revolves around the titular Charlestown in Boston, Massachusetts. Whether it's poverty, tradition, or a mixture of both, "The Town" practically breeds bank robbers. This includes one Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck) and three of his life-long friends (Jeremy Renner, Slaine, and Owen Burker). The group finds themselves in some hot water where, following a less-than-smooth bank job, MacRay takes it upon himself to tail key witness, Claire Keesey (Rebecca Hall). Soon, MacRay falls in love with Keesey and seeks to get out of his dead-end lifestyle and try to lead a normal life. Throw in one die-hard FBI agent (Jon Hamm) who is hell-bent on cleaning out Charlestown, and the stage is set for your typical crime/heist story.
SO WHAT'S GOOD ABOUT THIS MOVIE?
The acting in this movie, top to bottom, is fantastic. This is a character-driven movie and it's truly a joy to watch these guys and gals go at the script. In particular, Hamm as the steely Agent Frawley rips the hell out of the lines he's given. This is also an extremely well directed film (kudos to Affleck on that as well), and a prime example of tension providing enough driving force to keep a film interesting. Despite a somewhat cliche'd arc, "The Town" also manages to have some real emotional resonance. In-particular, the subplot involving Jeremy Renner's character, his sister (played by Blake Lively), and Affleck's character that really makes for an extremely tragic and wrenching element to an already tragic tale.
SO WHAT SUCKS ABOUT THIS MOVIE?
As I've probably said too many times, this movie is just too familiar for its own good. A majority of its steps you can trace along pretty easily if you've seen any number of these types of movies. Although this isn't wholly a negative, it does aid in making the movie feel less than unique in some places. Also, even though the film certainly nails the whole "gritty street drama", it only occasionally feels like these characters were forced into this lifestyle. We never truly see what makes "The Town" so corrupting, or what truly drove all these characters into the life they lead. Also, between all the crazy coordinated heist costumes, cars, weapons, and everything else, we don't really get a sense of how connected all these guys really are. They're certainly nitpicks, but these things add up.
ANYTHING ELSE?
Did I mention that Ben Affleck not only acted in this movie, but also directed it? They guy is really a lot more talented than people give him credit for. And Jon Hamm? That dude can certainly chew up some scenery. I look forward to seeing him in more. There are rumblings he might be cast as Superman? That would certainly be great.
SO WHAT'S THE FINAL VERDICT?
"The Town" delivers what it appears to be and a little more. If you're looking for an extremely tense crime film in a gritty setting, than this delivers the goods. If you don't care for that genre, then the fantastic acting in this film might be enough to get you through the theater doors. It might not be the most memorable of films, but it's definitely a great character-centric story that deserves some attention.
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