"The Town" is a remarkable thriller.

Rating: Null/10 (19 June 2015)

Boston. The bank robbery capital of the world. "The Town" isn't your typical cops and robbers good guy bad guy kind of thriller, but rather a rare piece of crime cinema that raises moral questions and still delivers exhilarating action. Ben Affleck (who usually is a let down) directs and stars as Doug Macray, a life-long bank robber who after a heist reconnects by chance with Claire, a woman taken hostage by Doug and his gang who's played by Rebecca Hall. I know what you're thinking. Don't worry. This Hollywood-like plot doesn't fall into a traditional love story at all. Doug's feelings and motives for robbing banks change drastically after he forms a relationship with Claire, while also battling a ruthless FBI agent played blandly by Jon Hamm. The real superstar of the film is played by Jeremy Renner. Renner is Affleck's best friend who still has a bad side revealed constantly throughout the film. "The Town" excels at balancing action with emotions. Affleck raises multiple moral ideas about changing your life around and fighting for those you love. We do get trapped in a little bit of over the top nonsense regarding love and forgiveness. That's the only big issue. Blake Lively also plays Affleck's old girlfriend. Blake Lively, sorry honey, you can't act. Even though there are some flaws, "The Town' remains consistent in being both entertaining and thoughtful. The final thirty minutes of the film are pitch perfect, resolving all the major conflicts and delivering heart-pounding action resulting with machine gun fire and car chases flying all over the screen. Even though the action is far-fetched, Affleck keeps "The Town" grounded in remaining a human drama that reflects the hard life criminals face day to day, and why criminals act the way they do. Affelck's goal isn't to just entertain you. He makes you question and look at crime differently. Boy did he nail it.