Like any good heist, Matt Damon and Casey Affleck's new film The Instigators knows how to get in, get out, and deliver a worthwhile payout.
Instigators Movie Review
There are a lot of offerings in the heist-movie genre and they range from complicated robberies to menial crimes. The standouts always include a core cast with chemistry that burns through the screen and a healthy balance of comedy and stakes. The Instigators has those key elements (although the stakes are hardly high) and acts as the little brother to Damon's Ocean's 11 franchise. Where that one sees a poised group of professional con men working out an elaborate scheme, The Instigators is made up of the bottom-of-the-barrel henchmen who couldn't steal a lollipop from a baby without something going wrong. And that is just one of the reasons to enjoy director Doug Liman's (The Bourne Identity, Edge of Tomorrow) latest.
No smartly dressed leading man in sight, the film opens with Rory (Damon, who also serves as a producer with Ben Affleck), a depressed former Marine, telling his therapist Dr. Rivera (Hong Chau) that he is ready to “cash in his ticket,” since his life is just one screw-up after another. Before he does anything drastic, he decides to do one more thing to raise the $32,480 he owes in child support– rob Mayor Miccelli (Ron Perlman) of his illegal election-night payouts. Partnered with Cobby (Affleck, who co-wrote the script with Chuck MacLean) a drunken ex-con, things quickly go south and the two find themselves on the run from the law, the mob, and the mayor.
What follows is pure entertainment. It is laugh-out-loud funny, blending action, comedy, and crime in a way that works well even when it shouldn't. After all, Rory is a stright-laced, rule-ish follower, who wouldn't know a joke if it slapped him in the face. While Cobby is a motor-mouth who can't adult to save his life. This Boston-set film never takes itself seriously yet delivers some unexpectedly compelling moments all the same. But what really makes it soar out of the streaming void are the performances. From the supporting cast to Damon and Affleck who are driving this getaway car, they make The Instigators just plain fun.
This is a story where everything that could go wrong does and often in the most hilarious, face-palming way possible. It is easy to forget that a lot of this is so far-fetched it's impossible thanks to the commitment of those on the screen. But when you look at who populates the supporting cast and you see the names Michael Stuhlbarg, Alfred Molina, Ving Rhames, Paul Walter Hauser, and Toby Jones it all becomes clear. Liman has always been a great ensemble director. Even if these groupings seem odd on paper, he knows how to bring them together on screen. He is consciously aware of all these stellar character actors' strengths and why we the audience love them so much. I also just saw a tweet that said Ving Rhames makes every movie better and I have to say I agree. Cobra Bubbles vs the bumbling duo of Damon and Affleck? A million times yes.
Chau's Dr. Rivera spends a lot of time with the leads as she is quite literally along for the ride. Sure she poses it as a way to ensure Rory doesn't hurt himself but in truth it really just seems like she is equally bored in her day-to-day life. What could liven up your life more than becoming a voluntary hostage? But her presence not only adds to the comedy but also brings some seriousness to the scenes. Her questions to Rory are funny at first, as she asks “how does that make you feel?” in the monotone voice repeatedly. But when she puts her “doctor demeanor” aside that is when her probing brings real emotion out of Rory.
Still, The Instigators would not work on the level it does without Damon and Affleck. Perfectly matched, this odd couple has the comedic chemistry moviegoers adore. Damon is the straight man to Affleck's funny man, the former loves to take notes, ask questions, and reiterate facts much to the annoyance of everyone, especially Cobby. Affleck meanwhile never shuts up, providing all the color commentary one could ask for much to the annoyance of everyone, especially Rory. See what I mean? Two mismatched peas in a stolen car. With these two constantly acting as opposing forces makes the payoff when they finally open up to each other feel genuinely earned.
The M.O. for The Instigators seems to be let's throw a whole bunch of chaos into a heist film that has our characters running around unsure exactly of who they are running from. If it sounds chaotic to have Rory and Cobby chased by gangsters, politicians, and special forces all in one night, that's because it is. However, that seems to be the point. The crisscrossing paths of the pursuers means Rory, Cobby, and those of us watching have no idea where the attack is coming from next. It's a bold choice and one that could easily prove to be detrimental but Liman makes it work and I had a blast watching it all unfold.
Verdict
Ultimately, The Instigators is an old-school kinda film that features local flavors, big action, and familiar faces. It works and works well thanks to a cast that is peppered with truly talented individuals. Affleck and Damon's chemistry is the glue that keeps the random plot threads together and your eyes on the screen. Like any well planned heist it gets in, gets out, and delivers a worthwhile payout. It is unlikely there will be a follow-up but I wouldn't be mad if Damon and Affleck's Rory and Cobby have to team-up again in the future.
The Instigators opens for a limited theatrical release Friday, August 2, before it starts streaming on Apple TV+ on Friday, August 9. It's rated R for pervasive language and some violence.
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