By Jon Donnis
"The Instigators," directed by Doug Liman, positions itself as a high-octane heist comedy, anchored by the dynamic pairing of Matt Damon and Casey Affleck. The plot kicks off in familiar territory, a botched robbery with reluctant criminals thrust into an increasingly chaotic spiral of events. Despite the film's formulaic premise, it benefits enormously from the chemistry between Damon and Affleck, whose on-screen rapport provides a steady stream of dry humour and genuine pathos. Damon, in particular, shines in a role that sees him playing against type, underplaying Rory's tough-guy persona to deliver the film's most understatedly funny moments.
Casey Affleck, as the perpetually unlucky Cobby Murphy, offers a more traditional performance, yet one that complements Damon's restraint. The mismatched duo is further bolstered by Hong Chau's Dr. Rivera, whose character serves as an unexpected but welcome addition to the madcap ensemble. Chau imbues Rivera with a balance of warmth and exasperation, making her a standout in the film's second half.
Doug Liman, known for his knack for blending action with character-driven stories, keeps the pace brisk and the tension palpable, though the film occasionally stumbles into the realm of predictability. While the action sequences are competently executed, particularly the fiery set pieces that provide the film's adrenaline rush, the narrative itself treads well-worn ground. The plot unfolds in a way that, while entertaining, rarely surprises; the twists and turns are visible from a mile away, making the film feel at times like a collection of genre tropes strung together rather than a cohesive story with its own unique identity.
Where "The Instigators" truly excels is in its dialogue and character interactions. The script, though not groundbreaking, offers enough wit and sharp banter to keep audiences engaged. The supporting cast, including Ving Rhames as the imposing Frank Toomey and Alfred Molina as the sleazy Richie Dechico, adds depth to the ensemble, with each actor bringing their A-game to the table. However, even this stellar cast can't entirely shake off the feeling that the film is playing it too safe, opting for conventional resolutions where more daring choices might have made it a standout in the genre.
Visually, the film benefits from its Boston setting, with Liman capturing the city's grittiness and charm, which complements the film's narrative tone. The cinematography and production design work in harmony to create a lived-in world that feels authentic, even if the plot doesn't always live up to the potential of its setting.
Despite its shortcomings, "The Instigators" manages to be a thoroughly enjoyable ride, particularly for fans of the heist genre. It's a film that knows its strengths, chiefly, its cast and director, and leans into them, even if it occasionally veers into formulaic territory. The humour is sharp, the action sequences are satisfying, and the performances are uniformly strong, making it a worthwhile watch, if not a particularly memorable one.
The Instigators delivers exactly what it promises: a solid, if somewhat generic, heist comedy with enough star power and directorial flair to keep audiences entertained. It's a film that, while unlikely to be remembered as a classic, offers a fun, albeit predictable, experience, a decent choice for a relaxed evening but not one that pushes any boundaries. I would rate it a respectable 7 out of 10, though with a lingering wish that the filmmakers had dared to take more risks.
Out Now on Apple TV - https://apple.co/3XfnOE3
