Chaos and Comedy Collide in Star-Studded Caper

Read Time:3 Minute, 42 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Instigators
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Genre: Action, Comedy
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 41m
Director(s): Doug Liman
Writer(s): Chuck MacLean, Casey Affleck
Cast: Matt Damon, Casey Affleck, Hong Chau, Michael Stuhlbarg, Paul Walter Hauser, Ving Rhames, Alfred Molina, Toby Jones, Jack Harlow, Ron Perlman
Where To Watch: streaming exclusively on Apple TV+ August 9. 2024

RAVING REVIEW: In the latest offering from director Doug Liman, written by Chuck MacLean and Casey Affleck, audiences are swept into an exhilarating urban caper that melds tension, humor, and unexpected alliances. A financially desperate father and a reformed convict come together in a plot brimming with twists, where every friend could be a foe, and every foe could become an unexpected ally. Their objective? To outsmart a corrupt politician and dodge danger at every turn. With a supporting cast that includes Hong Chau, Michael Stuhlbarg, Paul Walter Hauser, Ving Rhames, Alfred Molina, Ron Perlman, and more, the movie becomes a parade of laughs and thrills.

As soon as the film starts, it establishes a lighter tone, separating itself distinctly from more somber heist narratives. The plot kicks off on election night when a notorious crime boss is compelled to employ two mismatched thieves for a crucial job. This pairing brings Matt Damon as Rory and Casey Affleck's portrayal of Cobby into a comedy of errors that propels the story forward.

The dynamic between Damon and Affleck breathes life into their characters, recalling their earlier screen partnerships with a freshness that easily navigates the complex plot. Their interactions offer a rich blend of genuine chemistry and comedic timing that transforms potential disasters into moments of hilarity. Affleck’s performance, although consistently feeling like a stereotype of himself, fits this role perfectly.

As the robbery unfolds, everything that can go wrong does, in spectacular fashion. The venue is unexpectedly crowded, and the safe ends up being disappointingly sparse inside, leading to one mishap after another. Jack Harlow’s character, Scalvo, throws caution to the wind with decisions that only escalate the chaos, pushing the protagonists into a frantic chase through the city.

The cast's performance deepens the narrative, introducing a spectrum of characters that range from hardcore criminals to persistent law enforcers and even a psychiatrist (Hong Chau) who takes her role to help all too seriously, all adding layers of suspense and engagement. However, some characters, like Alfred Molina’s, though initially pivotal, drift away without a satisfying conclusion, pointing to a script that perhaps promises more than it delivers.

The film captivates with sharp dialogue and fun, over-the-top action scenes prioritizing fun over realism. Liman’s direction ensures a fast-paced journey through comedic misadventures, emphasizing the lighter side of crime.

The film doesn’t seek to redefine the heist genre but instead celebrates its established elements with flair and humor. The ensemble cast, led by Damon and Affleck, shines, their performances grounding the film’s wilder moments in relatability. Even as the plot twists border on the improbable, their on-screen presence keeps the audience invested.

In wrapping up, the movie stitches together strands of comedy and action, crafting a narrative that thrives on the strong rapport between its leads. Iit carves out a niche that is entertaining and refreshing for viewers looking for fun and excitement.

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[photo courtesy of APPLE TV+, ARTISTS EQUITY, STUDIO 8, THE WALSH COMPANY]

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