(2012-04-25 11:32:55)

HK Neo Reviews: The Town

It seems like 2 Hong Kong films that I have seen before… Call it déjàvu or whatever, but the fact is clear. The latest Ben Affleck'sdirectorial and starring effort in The Town, seems far to alike to aAndy Lau's vehicle and a separate Richie Ren's movie combined. Sure,the film is well paced, quite entertaining, but one cannot stopthinking about the aforementioned motive. Putting this aside, The Townis actually quite decent, well produced, well directed and a story thatis complicated enough to keep the audience at their seats. However,something seems to be lacking to elevate the film further up the scale.The chases are fun, so are the masks (most notably the ironic nun'smasks to rob the bank), but one thing that is safe to proclaim is thatBen Affleck is officially a better director than actor. Whenever onscreen, Affleck is far too wooden to convince, but the film isextremely well directed.Basically, The Town tries hard to be creative and goes the routenormally not taken by Hollywood standards. However, when put intocontext, this is really one simple film expressed in a complicatedfashion. While this isn't a bad thing, but the characters despiteplenty of focus, we feel nothing for. There is no emotional connectionthat made Affleck's previous directorial effort far more effective andtouching. The film also does not seem real and rational. I know love isnot meant to be rational, but the guy is a murderer, bank robber andkidnapper for god sake. Will you still want to be with him? For me,this film seems to focus too much on Affleck's wooden range andsubsequently even discounting the déjà vu factor, The Town is at bestaverage and nothing more…(Neo 2010) I rate it 6/10

(2012-04-25 01:51:06)

Solid film, great acting!

The Town was one of the best films of 2010 and given the large number of solid films, especially in the second half of the year when The Town came out, that is saying something. What I did like is that Ben Affleck the director lets each of these actors play to their strengths so that we are seeing to a large degree Jeremy Renner's performance in Hurt Locker again and we're seeing Jon Hamm channel Don Draper into his role. I think this is also a great way for Pete Postlethwaite to go out. His quite menace is amazing. I can only offer two things that keep this from being 5 stars. The first is that Ben Affleck as an actor just can not hold his weight with this crowd. He comes across as wooden and stiff and it's obvious that the great performances of others is pulling him along. He needs to stick to directing. Also, speaking as a native of Boston, I have to say the North End and Fenway Park robberies border on the almost comic. I don't hold it against the film it's one of those things you have to let go to enjoy the film but I did laugh at how they were driving in the North End. Trust me when I say you would get all of two blocks before you were killed. But still enjoy a well done thriller.

goicuria

(2012-04-18 06:53:32)

Average heist/action movie is not bad, not great.

"The Town" is OK, though nothing special, really. I just don't, orrather can't ever buy Affleck or Damon for that matter, as leading men.They simply don't have the skill, charm, or charismatic appeal of theseasoned pros for my money. In my opinion, their strengths are writing,producing, and directing. Those things and Robin Williams' performanceis what made Good Will Hunting a good movie, not Ben nor Matt's actingabilities. The other thing that needs to be pointed out, is that themovie is based on a best-selling novel, which is basically almostalways a sure-fire hit at the box office with a pre-built-in audience;which amounts to taking the safe road. The story is superb, and anadded bonus is the authentic Boston location shots (although if you area Bostonian, you can easily pick out some of the flaws in the locationsequencing. During car chase scenes, for example, one frame they are inthe North End, the next it is Bay Village, then Beacon Hill, back tothe North End, etc. all within seconds. I know this is nitpicking, sothat really is not a big deal. Of course, it is great to see FenwayPark in any movie and this one is no exception and delivers. Eventhough I did not read Prince of Thieves, (the novel that the film isbased upon) there were quite a few times when I got the feeling thattoo much license may have been taken with story incidentals and plotdevelopment for the sake of the action-movie dollars and for fans ofAffleck's work. The music soundtrack is almost non-existent or not verymemorable, sounding at times like what used to merely be referred to as"stock". Jeremy Renner (who steals the show), Rebecca Hall, and JonHamm are far more interesting to watch than Affleck here, and theirperformances are about as solid as it can get in an action/heist dramaof this sort. Is it a bad movie? By no means, if you ask me. Is it agreat movie? Certainly not, in my opinion. Maybe as an inexpensivelypriced matinГѓВ©e, it succeeds, but I am happy that I was not prepared topay top dollar and wait in a long line to see it. Although I had noexpectations entering the theater, I still exited feeling that this isone of those films that is probably best left to DVD, cable, or largescreen in the comfort of your home. As a heist movie, it is no "KillingZoe", "Dog Day Afternoon", or "Reservoir Dogs" that's for sure. GiveBen Affleck a few more years or miles under his belt as a dramaticactor, and he just may someday develop into a great actor/director whodoesn't feel the need or desire for so many close-ups and takes of whatamounts to, well, Ben Affleck's rather limited repertoire of BenAffleck faces.

harriv02

(2012-04-17 19:22:21)

The movie contrasted the relationships between a bank robber and his group against his feelings for the bank manager, and his attempts to outwit an FBI agent.

The movie contrasted the relationships between bank robber Doug Macrayand his group against his growing feelings for Claire Keesey, the bankmanager, and his attempts to outwit FBI agent Frawley. The plot waswell executed even if it was a little predictable. Ben Afleck gave agreat performance as the conflicted Macray while wearing the second hatof director. The character was fed up with his life as it was andwanted to improve it, but didn't have much incentive. The idea that Claire could fall for him was a stretch but wasconvincingly justified because he was there when she needed someone.The action scenes were engaging. Just when the bank robbers seemed tohave their backs against the wall something happened to change thesituation. Blake Lively showed her acting skills in her portrayal of anaddicted ex-girlfriend that was still not over Doug. There were a fewunexpected twists, one being the scene where he was talking to Claireon the phone about meeting with her. It was her response that I didn'texpect. His friendship with Coughlin led me to believe the film wouldend differently. It was a very entertaining film.

(2012-04-12 16:57:59)

Four "townies" from Charlestown, in Boston, MA are group of pro bank-robbers

in this film, starring, co-written and directed by Ben Affleck. In the beginning, the film makes a (somewhat exaggerated) claim about the vast number of bank robbers who come from this small part of Boston, and that it is a profession that is passed on from father to son. Doug MacRay, played by Ben Afleck, is a career criminal who has come up within this environment. He is quite good at what he does and he is quite close to the other members of his gang--they are like family--yet he is conflicted about being a bank robber. His conflict solidifies to the point that he absolutely wants out after he develops a love interest in a young woman who is a bank manager at a bank which, unknown to her, he has just robbed. Through this relationship, as well as his relationship with his imprisoned father and the contrast with the character Jem, the humanity of "Dougy" is revealed. I also found it interesting to learn more about his family and background as the film progressed. In the end, Doug is pressed to participate in one last heist, of none other than Fenway Park, and things get very dicey. Some astute detective work from the FBI headed by Jon Hamm as Special Agent Adam Frawley brings them to a confrontation at Fenway, which complicates things. Will they will get away with the crime, and will Doug will get away from "The Town", as he wishes, and what will happen with his "tuney" (yuppie) girlfriend? I thought that the film did a decent job resolving these issues, and it held my interest pretty well throughout. Recommend.

TheUnknown837-1

(2012-04-12 02:31:47)

A smartly-written, fascinating character study (and good movie) with a few easily-forgiven flaws

A great many people now seem to have forgiven Ben Affleck fornot-so-satisfying works from him the past, now that his new film "TheTown" (a fascinating, tautly-written character study disguised as abank heist nail-biter) is out. I am not incredibly familiar with Mr.Affleck's work, but this very enjoyable movie has a parallel for me.Most of it is so good that I can easily forgive the fundamental flawsthat it does have.Ben Affleck is not only the director, but the star of "The Town" inwhich he plays an experienced, methodical, charismatic (and concerned)bank robber in Charlestown. During one of his heists, things go awryand Affleck and his men must take the bank manager hostage. They escapeand release her and later on, concerned that she might have learnedsomething that could sell them to the FBI, Affleck tracks the manage(Rebecca Hall) down and eventually meets her. In the process ofdeciphering information from her, he also forms a slow but inevitableromantic relationship with his onetime hostage and things take a turnfor the worst when the FBI gets involved.Mr. Affleck is a highly talented filmmaker as well as an actor.Actually, if you were to ask me to list his pros and cons, I'd say he'san even greater director because there is not one single poorly-donemoment in "The Town." There are some flaws with the screenplay and somecharacter-to-character relationships, but he is able to command hiscameras, cast, and crew with kinetic proficiency while giving a morethan commendable performance all at the same time. Mr. Affleck is notyet the masters such as Clint Eastwood, who do the same time, but he isquickly rising to that status.However, I think some people will be misled by the advertising. This isnot really a nail-biter like "The Bourne Identity." It's more of astraightforward, focused character study on our central character.There are obligatory scenes of action, including a very exciting climaxat the finale, but it's the human relationships that are the core ofthe picture. Mr. Affleck is almost always on camera and it is hisrelationship to the character played by the gorgeous and talentedEnglish actress Rebecca Hall that is the most fascinating andcompelling element of the entire picture. The scenes between them haveso much power, so much fresh dialogue, and so much romanticpersuasiveness that it makes up for the lack of real development saybetween Affleck and his childhood pal played by Jeremy Renner or hisboss, played by Pete Postlethwaite. Mr. Affleck and Ms Hall are soperfectly cast for their roles and they do a wonderful job atdeveloping this at-first kinetic and then complicated love affair. Iloved and cherished every single minute where these two were on-screenand frankly, I wish there had been more of them because it's betweenthese two characters that we have a solid connection. With the others,it's kind of dicey.It is because this movie is a character study and that some of theconnections between characters is underwritten that I cannot give "TheTown" a higher rating and why I think it doesn't realize it's fullpotential. The friendship between Affleck and Renner shows promise andhas originality in its moments, but there are not enough scenes of themtogether and not enough is learned about Mr. Renner's character toreally care what becomes of their friendship. And although PetePoslethwaite is one of the best actors of modern times, he doesn't havemuch more to do here than he did in the remake of "Clash of theTitans." I'm sorry to say that he was a rather boring villain, as wasthe FBI agent played by John Hamm. In addition, I felt Affleck'srelationship to a one-time flame played by Blake Lively wasfascinating, but underdeveloped and that the sex scene between the twoof them, like many, was a complete throw-away."The Town" is a very enjoyable movie and I do owe it a lot ofgratitude. Because before I saw this picture, I had seen threeabsolutely detestable movies right in a row, one of which was making mefeel abandoned by the cinema and wanting to resort to staying home andwatching my old favorites. Thankfully, Mr. Affleck delivered a verywell-directed film with mostly hits (and a few misses) in his story andmy love for the movies has been restored. The film does have its flaws,but they are easily forgiven and the second hour of the picture strikeswith so much kinetic energy and (more importantly) emotion that Iinstantly and gladly recommend "The Town."

KineticSeoul

(2012-04-04 18:57:13)

Not good as "Gone Baby Gone" but still a solid movie

This film is basically a heist movie with romantic elements in it. Thismovie proves once again that Ben Affleck has more potential ofdirecting movies than acting in one, he plays the main character inthis but he is alright. Although most of the movies he starred in sortof sucked, Ben has a bit of talent for directing. I also enjoyed hispast movie "Gone Baby Gone" which he directed and I enjoyed watchingthis movie as well, although I liked "Gone Baby Gone" more better.Mainly because it just had a tighter script and more original comparedto this movie. The movie basically takes place in a town that is knownfor breeding bank robbers, and some are forced into it. But during oneof the bank robbery, Ben Affleck's character Doug MacRay and his crewtake a girl hostage. And later ends up falling for her while trying tospy on her cause the crew lives close by where she lives and maybe athreat to them. Now this plays a part in the story but the whole filmdoesn't necessarily revolve around this scenario, which is a goodthing. Jeremy Renner did a great job in this movie as the loose cannonstyle of criminal who is also part of the crew. Jon Hamm also did afabulous job of playing the rough and tough FBI, who play hard sincethe criminals play hard. Blake Lively was just hot in this, her actingis alright and that is all I can say for her. This is a pretty solidmovie, nothing really refreshing or original but the script is stillpretty good and I liked the direction and style of it all. The actingis superb and the cinematography is pretty good and has a bit of the"Heat" and "Mystic River" vibe to it. Oh and the chase scenes and theshoot outs is just amazing to watch, there is some parts that seem todrag a bit but that is about it.7.9/10

(2012-04-04 13:00:12)

Really Good Movie

This review is from: The Town (Amazon Instant Video) I really liked this movie. Had a great story line, good action, even a romance. Really a well rounded movie for everyone.

(2012-03-27 16:27:51)

Well-Directed Crime Thriller

After a bank robbery he pulled off with his three lifelong friends, Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck) from the tough street of Charlestown, Boston, meets Claire Keesey (Rebecca Hall), another Charlestown resident. Actually Claire was the manager of the bank they robbed, and they took her as hostage (blindfolded before releasing unharmed) the other day. Not knowing his true identity, Claire starts dating Doug - and Doug dreams of starting a new life - when he is given another assignment to undertake. And the FBI led the agent Adam Frawley (Jon Hamm) is closing in on the robbers.The strength of Ben Affleck-directed "The Town," however, lies not in this romantic part, which I think is weaker than compared to the drama involving male characters. Jeremy Renner as Doug's friend James "Jem" Coughlin, a gang member readier to use violence, and Pete Postlethwaite as Fergie "the Florist" deliver standout performances. Blake Lively is also very good as Doug's former lover. The film is often brutal without showing much blood. The car chases (that take place in the narrow streets) are gripping without using special effects. The slick action sequences are proof of Ben Affleck's talent as director. The locations such as Fenway Park are effectively used as the backdrop for action scenes.I found "The Town" was a gripping experience, but while watching that, I couldn't shake off the impression that I had seen it somewhere else. Maybe it was a certain Michael Mann film or something else. With all fine acting and well-executed action sequences, "The Town" did not reinvent the genre.Having said that, however, I can say "The Town" is a well-directed and well-acted crime thriller with some compelling heist scenes.

Brett Chatz

(2012-03-27 09:35:44)

Hard hitting heist caper

Critics have slammed Ben Affleck in recent times, but their criticismis sorely misplaced when it comes to Affleck's latest blockbuster - TheTown. Fresh off the success of his last venture, he has starred in anddirected a masterpiece.The Town is the story of Charlestown. A low-income neighborhood inBoston. The people coming out of this blue-collar town have rap-sheetsstretching way back. But these gangsters and bank robbers are as savvyas they are violent.Affleck's crew have one last heist to pull off before they throw thetowel in. With the FBI hot on their tail and a budding romance in theworks, this hard-hitting, gritty caper pulls no punches in delivering aKO performance.From an entertainment perspective, it's absolutely riveting viewing.Two-thumbs up for Affleck and his star power.

(2012-03-19 13:11:52)

Underestimated Ben Affleck

This review is from: The Town (DVD) has Perhaps Ben Affleck is not the best actor around (and by far not the worst!) but the two films he has directed "Gone baby gone" and "The town" are excellent thrillers and don't forget that he shared an Oscar with Matt Damon for the screanplay of Will Hunting.

(2012-03-19 10:25:51)

Absolutely terrific movie

This review is from: The Town (Two-Disc Extended Cut) [Blu-ray] (Blu-ray) I have never been a Ben Affleck fan, for the longest time the only thing I ever liked him in was in Mallrats and Chasing Amy but after that I just felt like his career just went idle for years. I really didn't like him when he was basically banking his money off the fact that his name was tied to "Good Will Hunting," and just mailed in a few performances. But I must say that now he's come back down to Earth and has settled down with his life it just seems like to me that everything that he's tying his name to has more merit to it than let's say "Reindeer Games, and Gigli." What really made me start noticing the change in Affleck was when I went and saw Hollywood Land in theaters a few years ago, and his portrayal of George Reeves was just terrific. But now back to this movie, The Town is an absolute treat for sore eyes. I've seen way too many true crime thrillers over my lifetime and I must say that this one is a must have. I wouldn't be surprised if this film one day is considered an absolute cult classic. The reason why I say this is because one of my personal favorite movies in this genre is Reservoir Dogs, and Goodfellas. To me this film is up there with ether one of them, what it lacks in plot line, makes up with in overall character design and execution. In fact this movie reminds me of a modern day Reservoir Dogs. So, all in all if anyone of you out there have decided not to check this flick out in the theater, definitely red box it, check it out, and I guarantee you'll fall in love with it like I did.

Christian_Dimartino

(2012-03-11 15:43:30)

Probably one of the years best.

Another Oscar contender is Ben Affleck's The Town. Affleck directed thefilm "Gone Baby Gone" years ago. I liked the movie, but didn't love it.I liked the message. The Town is sure to get nominations. It's not agreat film, but its a really good one. And probably one of the yearsbest.Ben Affleck gives a good performance as a bank robber. Him, and hiscrew(including Jeremy Renner, who is his best friend) rob a bank whichtraumatizes the manager(played by the wonderful Rebecca Hall) Affleckfeels guilt. He's trying to get out of this business, but can't. So, hepursues Hall as sort of a mole. Hall is talking to the F.B.I.The Town has more to the story plot. But i've given you enough. TheTown has great acting. From Affleck, Renner, Hall, Jon Hamm as the maincop, and surprisingly Blake Lively as Renner's skanky sister, who datedAffleck.The story plot has a heart. So does Hall. Rebecca Hall is a talentedactress, and gives the best performance here. She is the heart of TheTown. The plot is unique for this sort of movie. It's mulitilayered,and has a lot going on. For a bank robbing movie that is.I liked Affleck's character here. He's a bad guy, but he doesn'texactly want to be. Sure, we've seen this before. But he cares aboutHall's character. Which I liked. I found this movie to be entertaining.It's filled with some spectacular action sequences.I think it may be one of the years best. It's not quite Inceptionmaterial. But it's still a very good film. I admired it. I admired thatit's not just a soulless bank robbing movie, but a bank robbing moviewith a soul. I recommend you see it before it's too late. I don't knowwhat I meant by that, but whatever.A-

mysteryfan04

(2012-03-10 22:18:35)

Suspenseful and Exciting

Ben Affleck directs his second film after Gone Baby Gone. The Town is athriller surrounding a group of robbers, a bank teller, and the FBIagent out to capture the bank robbers. At a laundromat following themost recent bank robbery, Affleck's character falls in love with theemployee who they took hostage, played by Rebecca Hall. His accomplice,played by Jeremy Renner, immediately lashes out at him. With hisaccomplices, former girlfriend (played by Blake Lively), and hisdisguised-as-florist boss all confronting him, he must make thedecision to either leave with Hall or continue his life of crime. Thefirst hour of this film is stunning and phenomenal. The characters pullyou into their minds, and you feel as if you are one of the charactersin each scene. Every member of the cast delivers a solid-to-exceptionalperformance. Affleck, Hall, Renner, and Lively are particularlybreathtaking, but it's the third of the quartet who deserves an Oscarnomination. Renner infuses the viewer with fear, pity, and so manyother emotions. However, the second half of the film feels lessauthentic. The plausibility of the film takes somewhat of a nose dive,with the story struggling to deliver more character nuances and plotdevelopment. As a result, the ending underwhelms especially incomparison to the rest of the film. For what it's worth, The Town isone of the best films of the year and the best thriller of 2010.

(2012-03-08 17:48:11)

BOSTON CRIME, BABY!

Another take on Boston crime with a focus on a bank robber who ends up dating one of the women he held captive. It's more about the relationships than the actual heists but don't worry you'll see some of those as well. It's in a similar flavor to THE DEPARTED but that's a better picture. DIALOGUE/CHARACTERS: B plus; STORY/PLOTTING: B; SETTING: B plus; WHEN WATCHED: February 2011; MY GRADE: B to B plus.

(2012-03-08 16:19:12)

AN AMAZING MOVIE ON SO MANY LEVELS!

At first glance this would NOT have been a movie I'd be interested in. Robbery, violence...no thanks. Once I discovered Ben Affleck was in it, that changed everything. THE TOWN was nothing short of amazing. Great acting. Great action. A great story to be told. And there was even a bit of romance for the romantic at heart like me. This movie will take you on a journey into the world of criminal life. One that many of us can't begin to phantom what's entailed. It was equally scary on a realistic level as well as painfully heart breaking. What some people are born into is nothing short of horrific. Doug is trapped in a world he realizes he no longer wants to be a part of. The only problem is he's not allowed to depart from it. Along the way he makes a few discoveries, falls in love, and wants a new life...to make something of himself. It's heart wrenchingly sad to see one trapped in a life they no longer want to be a part of. Though very much the bad guy, your heart will bleed for Doug, as you cry out for him to survive so he can have an opportunity to change his life around. This movie will keep you on the edge of your seat. There wasn't a thing I'd change, it was so well thought out with outstanding acting, and a remarkable message of hope and love that will have you thinking of THE TOWN well after it's ended.

brittonnd07

(2012-03-06 19:33:19)

I've got to make this short..

The four stars are for action content and some moderately decentacting.The huge downfall (-6) of this movie was the plot and screenplay.Basically, the main character is neither likable or believable, as henever really does anything heroic or miraculous to stop his lifestyledespite his statements and what seems like the director's idea that hehas done enough. The love between him and his former hostage is sketchyand not well-developed, and she is outrageously naive and way tootrusting for someone post-trauma.The characters have to be so exaggerated in order to make this plotwork so that the writer/director could fit in enough action to sell themovie. If one takes a realistic look at what actually happened, itbecomes laughable that the crowning achievement of a guy who saysone-liners while executing two guys before bailing on the girl hesupposedly loves is that he leaves her a bag of dirty money buried inher sweet garden with a half-page "I'll always love you" note.I can't believe they play violin at the end. Yes, the nun masks arecool, and the acting is above average. But the actual story isoutrageously contrived. I'm surprised more people don't notice thepatchwork nature of the plot here.

(2012-03-06 09:01:32)

the town

This review is from: The Town (DVD) very good movie had my attention throughout movie not a big ben affleck fan but this was one of his better acting performances

AKA_Paul_Murphy

(2012-03-06 07:18:21)

A decent enough heist movie

I have to admit, I had bought this film on an impulse due to the hypegenerated by it. Unfortunately the film hasn't lived up this hype butthat doesn't mean it's that bad.The film has a lot going for it, tough action scenes, attention todetail when executing robberies, a look into Bostons Irish Americanculture, gritty location filming, characters that look and have theattitude of living in a tough neighbourhood and for a change, lettingthe scenes draw out the tension which is a breath of fresh airconsidering the glut of flashy cut Jerry Bruckheimer clones out there.For the bad bits, this type of film where the focus of the story is oncharacter needs a really good actor to keep it together. People havemade comparisons to Heat and Thief. While these films had Robert DeNiro and James Caan who both brought intensity to their characters, BenAffleck is so wooden that it is hard to get involved in his characterand as result the film dragged in places.To conclude, I would say this is a good film providing you don't listento the hype.

(2012-03-05 19:42:12)

The Town is a hit, please don't confuse it with The Village.

Ben Affleck delivers a hardcore film about bank jobs and crime crews in a town that is filled with them. For movie fans who enjoy bank robbery films, you must add this to your list (or queue). The Town may remind viewers of films like Lookout or Thief with a modern feel. The film doesn't focus too much on the bank robbing side of the plot nor the character drama. However, the viewer is given just enough of both to be able to follow the fast moving plot. Also, the methods used during the bank jobs are interesting and original. Overall it is a good movie in the genre and in general.Unfortunately, Michaelmatician has not commented on The Town. Allegedly he spoke briefly with Affleck about the film's conclusion as well as the benefits of including grapefruit in one's diet.2.342