The Town

Release Date: Sep 17, 2010 

Runtime: 2 hr. 5 min. 

Director: Ben Affleck 

Cast: Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner, Blake Lively. 

Already gathering mass critical acclaim, and perhaps a little Oscar-buzz, Ben Affleck’s second outing behind the lens further solidifies his abilities as a director. His return to what he knows best, Boston, helps sell this bank-heist thriller that boasts notable actors and performances. Affleck and his gang of three friends are bank robbers who incessantly evade the FBI through use of various vehicles and disguises, the most notable being the unsettling nun attire as seen on posters. Jeremy Renner plays the reliable, yet highly unstable, friend who causes more trouble than needed. After rightfully gaining attention from “The Hurt Locker,” Renner continues to exceed expectations with his hard demeanor and effortless acting. TV regular, Jon Hamm, attempts to shed his ‘Don Draper’ persona by taking on the role of head FBI agent, but is ultimately outshined by Blake Lively of all people. For once, her promiscuous guise and revealing attire actually pays off, while her acting is surprisingly genuine. With plenty of car chases and shootouts, the film rarely misses an opportunity to fill in the gaps with a generous dose of dark humor. But the end comes surely, in an almost predictable manner that is neither good nor bad. Either way, Affleck seems to be on his way to career redemption, and quite possibly, the directing ranks of Clint Eastwood. Believe it.

Rating: 4 stars