Very good movie, but a step below great

Rating: Null/10 (19 September 2011)

When I first put this movie on I was very skeptical with it being Ben Affleck's directorial debut, but it surprised me in a good way. It was very authentic in terms of the setting of the movie and the storyline, had a very real feel to it. My only true knock against this movie is the casting of Casey Affleck as the lead character. I know most people thought he did very well in this movie, but something about watching a 5'7 160 pound skinny guy act like a hard you know what and a guy who is friends with everyone just didn't strike me right in terms of whats realistic. I truly couldn't help myself from laughing at a few parts where he had to "act tough." Other than that tho the rest of the movie was great and the casting was great.