The Town is the second Boston crime drama to be directed by Ben Affleck following Gone Baby Gone. Most of you know that I am a very big fan of Gone Baby Gone, the best movie of it's year in my opinion, and the bar was set high for Affleck's second run behind the camera, especially considering he stars in this film as well.
The Town is story of Doug McCray, a townie (apparently people from Charlestown are referred to as townies, news to me, who is the architect of a heist unit. The Town begins with Doug's crew holding up a bank in downtown Boston, taking the bank manager, Claire, hostage. Doug's crew escapes, Claire is set free, and all is right with the world. Not so much. Doug's colleagues are a little concerned Claire could turn them in after they realize she lives roughly 4 blocks away from their own homes. Doug then enters Claire's life as a charming townie, a begins a the relationship that sits as the catalyst for most of the tension and character development of the film.
The story of the Town does sound a bit absurd, but I assure you it works. The romance is only a vehicle for what the film is truly about, the lives of men who are living as they can with what life dealt them. Of course I believe anyone can choose where they lead their lives, but it is the characters of The Town are truly believable, as the decisions they make aren't rushed and well in the simplest way, make sense.
Ben continues to excel behind the camera, as a writer, and is evolving as an actor. Still the performance of the film has to go to Jeremy Renner, who continues to be a very strong force on the screen after his work in last years The Hurt Locker.
If you enjoyed Gone Baby Gone, or want a bank heist movie with a real story, some real direction check out The Town. You odds are won't be disappointed, easily one of the years best.
The Town, 3.5/4
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