Review of The Town (2010) by Gregory G — 30 May 2015
A crime drama about bank robbers set in the Boston neighborhood of Charlestown. Ben Affleck and Jeremy Renner, along with two associates, rob a bank then take the manager (Rebecca Hall) hostage. In the aftermath, Affleck tracks Hall to find out what she knows and how much she has told the police.
A romance develops between them, which isn't credible for a second. It's the kind of flaw that almost undermines the movie, even one as well made and acted as this. Also regrettable is the need to redeem Affleck's character to make him appear to be a good guy, despite his criminal activities.
In his second outing as a director, Affleck shows technical assurance and the action scenes are particularly well staged, but the material lacks the moral and emotional complexity of his debut feature, "Gone Baby Gone.
" Fortunately, the acting is strong throughout. Renner has a gripping intensity that is startling and Pete Postlethwaite, as the underground boss, has the same forceful resolve he showed in "The Usual Suspects.
" Based on the book "Prince of Thieves," by Chuck Hogan. Written by Peter Craig, Affleck, and Aaron Stockard. Having Robert Elswit as the cinematographer and Dylan Tichenor as the editor is a major plus.
With Jon Hamm, Blake Lively, Titus Welliver, Chris Cooper.
This review of The Town (2010) was written by Gregory G on 30 May 2015.
The Town has generally received very positive reviews.
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