‘The Town’ Review

Release Date: 9/17/2010

Charlestown, Massachusetts: A one-mile stretch of tough blue collar Bostonian neighborhood simply known as “the town”. The setting of Ben Affleck’s sophomore directing effort. A place where violent crime is passed down from father to son – like a tradition. A place that is “infamous for producing more bank and armored-car robberies in one square mile than anywhere else in the world.” But it’s the town itself that is the true antagonist. A place that has ruined countless lives. Yet holds those prisoners who so boldly and so proudly call it home. The opening shot depicting the mesmerizing Bunker Hill monument not only signifies one of the first major battles of the American Revolution, but also the gritty and atmospheric collision about to commence. Between the unforgiving streets of Charlestown and law and order.

Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck) is a career criminal. He’s also the son of a career criminal. He’s not only followed in the footsteps of his father Stephen (Chris Cooper), who coincidentally is serving life in prison for killing two men during a robbery, but he will most likely end up where his father is if he doesn’t make a change. Doug is the architectural leader of this motley crew of misfits and he plans each job down to the nitty-gritty. As MacRay and his crew: James “Jem” Coughlin (Jeremy Renner); Albert “Gloansy” Maglaon (Slaine) and Desmond Elden (Owen Burke) execute a bank robbery with brutal confidence and brazing efficiency in the opening scene, we’re shown just how dangerous these thugs are. However, when the gang takes the bank manager Claire (Rebbecca Hall) hostage, a suspenseful domino effect is sent in motion. Taking us on a 2-hour white-knuckled roller coaster ride.

It seems as though Ben Affleck has found his calling. We call that a niche. Based on the novel “The Prince of Thieves” by Chuck Hogan, Ben Affleck – with writing credits in this script adaptation as well – proves that his directorial debut in Gone Baby Gone was no fluke. It just seems he’s more comfortable behind the camera and in the director’s chair. More confident and at ease. Though he does put together one hell of a performance, if I do say so myself.  The performances are great all around. Rebbecca Hall is outstanding as the conflicted and grief-ridden bank manager whom Affleck’s MacRay falls for. Jon Hamm drops his Don Draper and throws down another awards worthy performance as FBI Special Agent Adam Frawley. Pete Postlethwaite and Chris Cooper also turn in terrific performances, considering such little face time. Chris Cooper shows us how one man – in just one scene – can affect a film on multiple levels. Reminding us all how William Hurt managed to pick up an Oscar nomination for A History of Violence having less than ten minutes of screen time.

But it’s tough not to marvel at what Jeremy Renner has done. He’s the most notable standout in this film by far. He’s an absolute madman. Earning the nickname “Jem” from his reputation back in grade school. Teacher’s used to say “this one’s a real gem” – pun intended. Sadistically brutal from the word “go”. Though Ben Affleck was very good, he’s from Boston. Renner isn’t. His accent and mannerisms were nearly flawless from what I could tell. He not only surpasses his Oscar nominated work from The Hurt Locker last year, but delivers a stinging Cagney-like performance that is simply dynamite.

“I’ll see you again. On this side or the other.”

The Town joins some pretty prestigious company. Some of the best crime dramas have been depicted across the mean streets of beantown. Mystic River, The Departed and even Ben Affleck’s own Gone Baby Gone – to name a few. Though similar in setting, The Town separates itself from the pack with deep character study, high-intensity action and heart thumping chase scenes that would make Bullitt and The French Connection jealous. Not to mention a “Heat” sized finale inside Baseball’s Cathedral: Fenway Park. Although he’s no Martin Scorsese or Clint Eastwood, it’s pretty safe to say that with the best heist film since Heat, Ben Affleck hits a “no-doubter” over the green monster and onto Lansdowne Street.

IMDb: 8.4/10

Rottentomatoes: 94%

MovieWiseGuys: 9.0/10