Plot Synopsis
Set on the dangerous streets of Charlestown in Boston, long-time thief Doug Macray (Ben Affleck) starts to fall for bank manager Claire Keesy, the hostage of his most recent bank heist. As their relationship grows, FBI Agent Adam Frawley closes in on Doug and his gang, and he starts to question the direction of his life…
Review
Ben Affleck set foot on the long road to redemption with his directorial debut, Gone Baby Gone. With his second full length feature, The Town, he’s nearing the end. It seems strange to the Unlimited Crew that a man as seemingly useless as Mr. Affleck has been able to emerge as one of Hollywood’s most exciting new directors. But The Town cements his unlikely status as a respectable figure in Modern Cinema.
The realism of The Town is what makes it stand tall above other crime thrillers in recent memory. Rather than the overblown action sequences that has become typical of the genre, Affleck opts for action that is gritty, brutal and most importantly, realistic. But whilst it has sufficient violence to please action fanatics, the true brilliance of The Town lies in its strong central performances and heartfelt emotion.
Oscar nominated Jeremy Renner is brilliant as Doug’s loose cannon friend ‘James Coughlin’, and the late Pete Postlethwaite turns in a frightening performance as the local florist and crime lord ‘Fergie’. But this is Ben Affleck’s film, his performance and direction are so skilful and disciplined it’s crazy to think he ever starred in films as uncompromisingly shit as Gigli, and Pearl Harbour.
Verdict
The Town is an excellent, if not entirely original crime thriller that has enough thrills, violence, romance and heart to please most movie fans.
Rating - ****
Jack's Sleep-o-meter - 20%
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