Ben does it again

Rating: 8/10 (19 April 2017)

You can't fault a movie made by Ben Affleck. He makes good movies every time. He never drops his guard, you could say. This second outing, that should of had a better title, becomes an engaging watch, like his other films, the second half more exciting. Set in Charleston, where the movie Slapshot was set, he heads a band of top line thieves, who've got their s..t together, the way they immaculately work, when taking down this bank, is professionalism at a frightening level. Only they make one mistake, they take a female employee hostage, for some reason, none other than Affleck getting a hard on (again, don't let your d..k run your life). He strikes up a romance with her, while initially tailing her, and sussing her out, as if getting confirmation, that she doesn't recognize his voice. Hey it's a small town and the town di.ks led by a real d..k (a riveting Hamm), who we want Affleck to beat, are quickly on to them, as the robber's locale is within four blocks of the victim's place. Affleck becomes quickly swayed from getting out of this business, and leaving his ex, (a fantastic Blake Lively) the town pump you could say and kid, and taking off with his new found love. The acting really impressed and surprised me, with this movie. Renner, Cooper, and Pete Postlewaite, a really nasty piece of work, who've owned Affleck and his family, he was the icing on the cake. The shootout, heading towards it's climactic end, where Aflleck has cornered into doing another job was beautiful, and so was his fate. Even the masks and hold up garb is impressive- scary nun wear. Like Clooney, Affleck acts better in films he directs, and I have not yet seen The Accountant. In no way, is he the best actor here, him, falling somewhere near the middle amidst this high calibre pool of actors. I'm so glad I caught, this movie. It is kind of overlong, but I really don't see that as a qualm, with a film like this, boosted by engaging performances and a quite simplistic though well worked story. If only for a better title, which a movie as good as this much better title rethink. Five days past, and I'm still thinking about this film. Good stuff Ben.