Solid story, but not a character driven one.

Rating: 7/10 (21 December 2010)

I heard a lot of great things about The Town, both from friends and critics here on IMDb and so I had great expectations for this one when I popped the DVD in. I wasn't entirely let down, but wondered why I found myself forgetting the film right after wards. I didn't want to discuss it right away, it wasn't boring, but still felt like something was missing. But, the film isn't entirely forgettable because I am after all; writing a review on it.
Reasons why the film has it's merits, is in the action, and script. Affleck sure knows how to put together a story. He's a proved script writer with his gold statue and it's his strong point. His directing and acting however, could use work. I would have liked him to cast someone else in the lead role. He can do well in a supporting job, but never once did he steal a scene. And it's not because He's a bad actor. It's because he isn't convincing as a villain, there's just something angelic about him. In my opinion, he was miscast in this film, he should have cast someone else. When the lead actor doesn't fit or act his way into the role written for the character, the good script could wind up being meaningless. It's hard to find the energy to direct and jump into scenes, and it showed here. Ben was just lacking energy I thought. Luckily, the supporting cast was excellent, especially the "Wild man" Jeremy Renner. He put a lot of energy into his role. I also loved the job Blake Lively did, she has just gained a fan. Everyone else also did a decent job, but nothing that sticks with you.
The directing was OK, found myself wondering why there were some scenes in the film, and why the timing of some scenes also appeared off. This is no directorial masterpiece by far. But once again, this negative is off set by the great cinematography, in which I loved.
Oh, and the action. This should have been an action movie, and less of a character drama. It would have been better off if Ben wrote it that way, but nonetheless, worth a watch. It is an old school action film which is refreshing, but in this high tech time we live in, old school films should have more of an emotional impact like "State Of Grace" That film is a classic, not sure if The Town compares to it. Or even "The Departed" for that matter. Nevertheless, a solid rating because I just think it still belongs along those 2 films in the same breath at least.