He's a Better Director than an Actor

Rating: 8/10 (26 December 2008)

I hate Ben Affleck like poison, hated every role he's done - and I've seen Dogma and Chasing Amy. So it was with more than a little trepidation that I slapped this DVD into my drive wondering if I've wasted my money. But I have to give credit where it's due, he's more than passed muster with this film.
Dennis Lehane's source material has good characters as usual, although the story might be predictable to more seasoned film lovers. Everyone puts in a good performance with perhaps Casey Affleck being the weakest. That would be because his role was the most complicated, at turns considered and shooting from the hip. Still, in a movie of this caliber it's like saying that the second flautist was the weakest player in the Boston Philharmonic. Unless you're looking to criticize, you won't really notice.
The movie is pure Hollywood, it doesn't break any new ground nor are there any moments in the film that the film geeks will rant and rave about. But it's Affleck's first film - there's plenty of time later for him to improve if he wants to be Kubrick. If you enjoy a good movie, sit back and watch this one. I heartily encourage Affleck to continue pursuing directing and maybe give the acting a miss for as long as possible.