A "Heat" -like Crime Thriller

Rating: 8/10 (18 January 2019)

26 September 2010. With strong parallels to HEAT (1995), THE TOWN however focuses more on the singular perspective of the criminals and an extended focus on the relational significance of the movie. THE TOWN also has scenes suggestive from Matt Damon's BOURNE IDENTITY series and has some suggestive associations with Affleck's and Damon's GOOD WILL HUNTING, with Affleck getting his turn to shine in more ways the one by the end. What makes this movie seem to work is both its weakness and strength having to sensationalize and dramatize what is unlikely to be real police shootouts or bank robberies, yet the detailed stylish manner in which this movie is shot, particularly the action scenes are powerful and resonate with more authenticity because of the apparent and well done quick edits. The chases scenes while avoiding the typical cheap choreographed traffic set up, also is both better in terms of the in your face experience, yet also lazy in terms of the lack of continuity (much like how Olympic down hill or slalom television coverage is obtained with periodic cut away shots with some of the continuous experience cut out. One irritating weak point is the unclear specifics in how (not by who) the FBI is apprised of one of the specific crimes is going down. The emotional connections between crime partners, the risky over the top use of a hardened criminal with a murder mentality is also too much while the delicate balance of Ben Affleck's character is both good and bad, especially in how he ends up dealing with "women." Are there really good and bad criminals in this movie or more a shade of gray here? In one pretty impressive climax sequences, the ending series of scenes almost turns into a BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID, nevertheless, the movie is able to pull of one better. This movie understands how to push the audience buttons, making members feel involved in being upset, anxious, fearful, and anticipatory for the outcome. Overall, a superior, decent crime thriller that ranks along side HEAT.