Review: Matt Damon and Casey Affleck play half-smart criminals in overfamiliar ‘The Instigators’

As a seasoned film enthusiast with over three decades of movie-watching under my belt, I must confess that originality is indeed a tantalizing prospect, but the undeniable allure of comfortingly familiar stories can never be underestimated. A well-crafted derivative flick, brimming with charm and star power, is more than just a guilty pleasure – it’s a testament to the artistry of its creators who, through sheer talent and charisma, coax us into temporarily setting aside our reservations and simply going along for the ride.


Audiences and critics frequently express a desire for films with novelty, yet let’s not underestimate the enjoyment found in comforting familiarity. A well-crafted film that borrows elements, boasts appealing actors, and exhibits a touch of flair is an accomplishment in itself. It’s a testament to the power of talented individuals who can make you momentarily forget your doubts and just enjoy the journey. In essence, a brilliant mediocre movie is like successfully executing a heist – it might be minor, but it’s done better than the botched robbery in “The Instigators,” a rough action-comedy that almost makes us forgive its tired aspects. The characters and filmmakers struggle to escape unscathed, much like the protagonists of the movie.

Titled “The Instigators,” this movie, opening in theaters this Friday and available on Apple TV+ a week later, takes place in Boston and features two actors deeply connected to the city – Matt Damon as Rory and Casey Affleck as Cobby. The story revolves around an unconventional partnership between these characters: Rory, a former Marine with a questionable past (he’s wrecked his marriage and strained his relationship with his teenage son), and Cobby, a witty loner fresh out of prison. In a highly improbable turn of events, they cross paths when they both agree to participate in the same high-risk heist. This heist demands that they break into the office of a corrupt mayor (Ron Perlman) on the night of his presumed reelection victory, with the objective of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks while the mayor is busy celebrating his win.

As a film enthusiast, I must confess, the plot appears impeccably designed – unless, by some far-fetched chance, the incumbent doesn’t secure the election victory. However, considering the odds, such an occurrence seems highly unlikely! The allure of “The Instigators” lies in its predictable yet engaging twists. It isn’t the surprises that make it captivating; instead, it’s the flawless transition from one predestined plot point to another, accompanied by grandiose spectacles, that truly sets this movie apart.

The film is almost perfectly directed by Doug Liman, a director known for transforming B-grade material into something exceptional through his stylish visuals and witty humor with a touch of self-deprecation. In movies like “Go” and “Edge of Tomorrow,” he breathed new life into familiar concepts by adding an infectious enthusiasm. Just as his recent remake of “Road House,” the upcoming film “The Instigators” is easy to watch due to its exceptional skill and relaxed atmosphere. (Comparisons to Steven Soderbergh’s fast-paced “Ocean’s Eleven,” which featured Damon and Affleck, are not only apparent but welcome.) It leaves you feeling somewhat guilty for anticipating something more from it.

In a stark contrast to their previous film “Gerry,” Damon and Affleck, who portrayed characters in a movie about male futility, seamlessly adapt to their humorous, simplified roles in the upcoming heist comedy, “The Instigators.” Meticulous to the extreme and driven by the desire to financially stabilize his family, Rory is characterized by his compulsion to jot down extensive notes during the planning of the heist, a practice usually discouraged among professional criminals to avoid leaving traces. Despite his seniority, Cobby, portrayed by Affleck (who co-wrote the screenplay with “City on a Hill” creator Chuck Maclean), is no exception and exhibits numerous mistakes. However, as the story unfolds, we discover that Cobby isn’t as hardened a criminal as initially perceived, adding a feel-good twist to this comedic tale.

A common critique is that streaming services are often producing content driven by algorithms, which typically involves using well-known actors and overused plotlines to create visually appealing shows that people can watch casually. Apple TV+’s “The Instigators” follows this pattern, but director Liman and his cast strive to go beyond the basics, focusing on a story about two individuals who have failed in the past but now want to accomplish something worthwhile.

Recently, Damon has been excelling in a more laid-back, seasoned persona; consider his humorous performance in “The Martian” or his sparring with Cillian Murphy in “Oppenheimer”. In “The Instigators”, he convincingly portrays his character’s midlife mundanity. Struggling with war-related traumas, Rory seeks help from a compassionate therapist, Donna (Hong Chau). In an unexpected turn, she becomes entangled in their plan when the heist goes awry. Chau often serves as a stabilizing presence in her films, and she does so again in “The Instigators”, even while providing emotional support during high-tension action scenes, despite the script demanding it amidst intense sequences.

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but appreciate Liman’s knack for embracing the cinematic essence of his popcorn flicks. These movies are unapologetically dedicated to pure entertainment and escapism, and he consistently amplifies this with his witty humor and unexpected twists. One such instance is the bizarre scene featuring NFL legend Rob Gronkowski, who lends his charisma as a hype man for the questionable mayor. Characters in “The Instigators” may meet their untimely demise, but the overall atmosphere is one of casual fun, orchestrated by seasoned professionals who seem to enjoy the process without added pressure. Notable character actors like Paul Walter Hauser, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Ving Rhames gleefully slide into their stereotypical villain roles, each contributing to the smooth, enjoyable, and unobjectionable flow of the film.

While “The Instigators” may not offer novelty, it fails to establish its relevance by providing an engaging trinket that deepens our connection with the characters and setting. However, the storyline becomes overly complex and forced in many instances, and it struggles to innovate within the crime-comedy genre. The result is a rather dry section of cinematic terrain. Despite occasional humor and entertaining moments, “The Instigators” fails to spark any genuine emotion or investment from its audience.

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2024-08-04 18:10

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