I don't hate Ben Affleck (not pictured--- think TV commercials).
In fact, "Good Will Hunting" is one of my favorite movies and he has cred with movie geeks for his View Askew-Kevin Smith connections ("Chasing Amy" is a personal favorite as well).
So, I went in to see "The Town" REALLY wanting to like this movie.
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It was okay.
It wasn't bad.
I'm not going to pan it.
I sat there for over 2 hours and was moderately entertained.
I just wanted more.
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The conceit is interesting enough.
There's a small area in Boston (called the Town), where a large number of bank heists and armored truck robberies emanate from.
Ben grew up in that town, and wants out.
But every time he thinks he's out, they pull him back in.
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Of course, there's a love interest in the movie.
The way that part of the plot is crafted, to Ben's credit, is well done.
There's also good narrative tension created in the "will they get caught" vein that motivates the movie.
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So what's missing?
Boston itself serves as one of the characters in the movie.
As director, Ben is trying to glorify where he's from, much in the same way Woody Allen tries to create his own unique vision of New York.
Ben wants the accents, the grit, blah blah blah.
It just feels forced.
There are times where I hear so many long "A" sounds that I wanted to get in my CAH.
I get it.
There are some mean streets in Boston.
It's a tough town.
Oh Ben, you're so working class.
I'll totally forgive you for Gigli.
Honestly, if "The Departed," were never made, I would've liked this movie better.
Are you really going to try to outdo Scorsese?
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It's clear that Ben Affleck isn't just another pretty face, and really does love movies.
He's clearly studied them--- ("Gone Baby Gone" was actually really good).
He's just hasn't perfected making them yet.
Check out Infernal Affairs I, II and III, which The Departed is based on. The Hong Kong series is known for being the Asian Godfather - the second may actually be better than the first. Unlike The Godfather, though, the third movie was a respectable movie in its own right. Like The Godfather, though, III was obviously done to cash in on the series' success. But still, you may then ask Scorsese if he was really going to try to outdo Lau and Mak. Nice review though!
ReplyDeleteexcellent tips! Appreciate the compliment especially given that you clearly know your stuff.
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