The Town - Review

"Ben Affleck" surprised many people with his directorial debut "Gone Baby Gone" which was a runaway success. "The Town" is his second feature length film and I think it is safe to say he is doing something very right. It takes place in Charlestown, Boston USA, a place well known for its high number of armed robbers and thriving underworld. Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck), James Coughlin (Jeremy Renner), Albert 'Gloansy' Magloan (Slaine) and Desmond Elden (Owen Burke) are all friends, who make a "living" out of Bank Jobs. The film begins as they carry out a near successful bank robbery, but due to a few hitches take the bank manager, Claire Keesey (Rebecca Hall), hostage for a short period before releasing her unharmed. However after all is done, Doug falls for Claire leading to some tragic complications. 


Its hard not to become involved in the Town. The writing is very mature and does a superb job of garnering the audiences interest from the very beginning. I admit that leading up to the final act of the film there was a quite noticeable drop in momentum but I didn't lose interest in it for one second. The Cinematography is pedestrian but completely acceptable for this type of movie, as it puts substance before style (something lacking in many Hollywood offerings). 


The cast excel and are truly compelling, "Jeremy Renner" of the fabulous "The Hurt Locker" is entirely convincing and strangely likable which is some feat as his character exudes arrogance and uncontrollable aggression. "Ben Affleck" gives one of best performances yet and demonstrates he is so much more than the cheesy romcom/action movie star that many think of him. 


The action scenes of the movie are orchestrated with gusto, from the opening heist to the most thrilling and haunting car chase I have seen in quite some time (machine gun yielding nuns anyone?). Affleck's talent as a director is quite obvious, for "The Town" moves from action thriller to emotional family drama with such ease.


Overall I would rate this move 4/5. Its "The Dark Knight" of Heist movies, deep, emotional, thrilling, horrific. Gets a little slow before the final act but its completely forgivable.


Review by Joseph Carter