Key Takeaways:
● “The Instigators” pairs up Hollywood stars Matt Damon and Casey Affleck in a chaotic heist movie.
● Despite the stellar ensemble, the film is described as light and fairly forgettable.
● The pace is fast with the movie launching the heist right from the start.
● Many characters appear just for a single scene and then vanish, creating a disjointed narrative.
● The movie stays away from the stereotypical Boston-set crime drama, and leans more towards comedy.
Attention all movie buffs! If you enjoy fast-paced action and a hint of humor, you should check out “The Instigators”. Directed by the talented Doug Liman, who previously charted out masterpieces like “The Bourne Identity” and “Road House”, this film offers a fresh take on the heist genre.
Plot Overview: Thrills, Chaos and a Comedy of Errors
The plot is woven around two unlikely partners, Rory (Matt Damon) and Cobby (Casey Affleck), who find themselves in a frenzy of action. Jack Harlow’s character Salvo, working for the elusive Mr. Besegai (Michael Stuhlbarg), ropes in Rory, a former Marine, and Cobby, an ex-con, to rob the corrupt Mayor Miccelli (Ron Perlman) of hundreds of thousands of dollars on Election Night. As the proverbial feces hits the fan, Rory and Cobby are launched into a whirlwind of chaos, pursued by the police, vengeful crime bosses, and bureaucratic bigwigs. With incredible comedic timing, they even rope in Rory’s therapist, Dr. Donna Rivera (Hong Chau), into their runaway disaster.
Review: Stellar Performances Struggle to Save a Forgettable Plot
While the movie promised an exciting twist on the heist genre, it turned out to be a fun, light, and forgettable ride. The stellar cast led by Damon and Affleck couldn’t keep the narrative from feeling completely generic. The plot dives into the heist fairly quickly, leaving behind meticulous preparation seen in the likes of Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s trilogy. As an odd couple, Damon and Affleck charm the audience with their disagreements and quibbles in a tense situation, providing a sprinkle of comedic relief.
Unraveling the Loose Threads
Despite having stars like Michael Stuhlbarg and Alfred Molina, their characters don’t seem integral to the storyline. They pop in for a scene or two and then disappear only to return in a mid-credits sequence, a letdown considering their acting prowess.
Apart from these loose threads in the narrative, Damon and Affleck put up a commendable performance and unfold their chemistry on screen. They provide the needed buoyancy to keep the audience engaged. However, the plot turns out to be anticlimactic, wasting the build-up set by their performances.
A Shout Out to the Boston Duo
The Boston born and bred, Damon and Affleck put their Boston accent to such great use. Their banter, disguised as innocent squabbles, qualifies as some of the most entertaining moments in the film.
Overall Dipstick
“The Instigators” is not a perfect movie. It falls short in some aspects, mainly the underutilized characters and fragmented narrative. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Damon and Affleck fans, be ready to stream this adventurous caper over the weekend. Though not unique, it’s fairly entertaining and worth your popcorn!
