Whoa, it's been how many months since I watched a good movie (I believe 'Inception' was the last one). The Town is something like a cure and relief potion after all those shitty movies released for the last 2-3 months. It has a unique and good story telling, stellar cast, magnificent sound effect, and great directorial work from Ben Affleck. Watching this flick again reminds me (again) of one of the best heist crime movie 'Heat', back in 1995, which featured Pacino and De Niro.
The story takes place at Charlestown, Boston neighbor town, which is known for producing and generating robbers for many years. Meet Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck), James Coughlin (Jeremy Renner from 'Hurt Locker'), Albert 'Gloansy' Magloan (Slain) and Desmond Elden (Owen Burke), 4 young local robbers from blue-collar neighborhood, who just made a big hit on a bank, and took one of the manager, Claire as a hostage momentarily, then released her in a remote place. Afraid of what she would tell the police and FBI, Doug tries to tie up the loose ends, just to make ensure the gang's safety. Eventually, Doug grows feelings for Claire, and she does also, although he already had a relationship with James' sister, Krista (Blake Lively, from 'Gossip Girl'). Ultimately, Doug dreams that he could go away from the town with Claire, and starts a new life. However, the FBI led by Adam Frawley (Joe Hamm from 'Mad Men'), is getting closer and closer to break up the team and eventually caught them red handed. Things are getting more difficult when the head honcho, Fergie (Pete Postlethwaite) insists Doug to take the last job, by threatening him on hurting Claire. In the end, Doug has to make a choice and risking everything, including his dream.
This is Affleck 2nd movie, and man he's showing the world that he's no joke. C'mon, I have to admit that after 'Good Will Hunting', I saw him as a failed actor, and again, imagining him as a director has never crossed my mind, and I believe all of you would think the same way. 'Gone Baby Gone' has acclaimed praises from critics and viewers, and proved to be a nice portfolio for newbie director. 'The Town' is both a Boston-based crime dramas which is touching on most parts yet thrilling at others. It is as if Affleck is able to create a blockbuster action movie or even an Oscar winning drama for his next project, since he's showing both sides in this one. Based on the novel 'Prince of Thieves', by Chuck Hogan, Affleck really focuses on all the details, from the city and its cultures, the Irish imigrants and their backgrounds, even the accents. And most importantly, he's not trying to make a WOW heist movie, where you won't high end technology or gadgets. He makes a 'down to earth feel' crime movie, with lots of heart and emotional aspects. The team may not be as pro as De Niro's team at 'Heat', but you can feel the same essence, how the gang members are close to each other, how Doug try to be a good and tolerant leader and shows some passion, and how each of them has to endure life of being a bank-robber.
The movie starts with a bang, and from the first 15 minutes opening, you'll know this is hard R-rated and serious flick, not cheesy like A-Team or whatsoever. The story is nothing fresh but what keeps it feeling fresh is the brilliant performances that go along with it. All the cast got their own moment to shine, with Affleck is easily the best one, while Lively managed to throw away her stereotype cast from 'Gossip Girl', and Joe Hamm...what can I say, he's the man.
Action scenes wise, are top notch. The chasing scene on the narrow alleys reminds me of 'French Connection', they are perfectly choreographed. While most of the films nowadays glorify action and mindless explosions, 'The Town' shows the tough and gritty realism, especially the ending shootouts. You won't feel excited, you won't say 'whoa cool', but you'll feel the horror and realize that it is a tragedy to be in that kind of position (yeah imagine you're being cornered and shot from all directions). The sound of gun barrels is deafening, and the grenade explosion scene was very very good, I even felt the tension right on that moment. Kudos for the sound editor, they truly brings out the realism in the action scenes.
Memorable scene (spoiler alert): the phone conversation between Doug and Claire where she stands at the window with all police waiting and she gives him the 'sign' that she's under surveillance and he should split. (But i felt this is ripped off from 'Heat', where Val Kilmer's character showed up and try to meet up with Ashley Judd, and she swept her hand to tell him to move away).
I still can't believe Ben Affleck can pull off everything (story, screenplay, direction, starring in a lead role) with such an ease, even he has a six-pack body! 'The Town' is richly rewarding and should be devoured by adult cinemagoers in a sea of mediocre titles at the multiplex. You can laugh, but I had a hunch that Ben Affleck has gone from being the butt of jokes to being the next Clint Eastwood.
My Rating : 9/10
