The Town

Rating: 7/10 (21 April 2011)

Through no fault but my own and from no reason other than just being slack, I missed The Town during its theatrical run. I had wanted to see it regardless, but once I heard/read the positive reaction from both critics and friends, it made me regret having it pass me by that much more.
Having recently viewed it, I can't help but echo the praise lavished upon it by my friends and such critics as The New York Times' Anthony Oliver Scott. Cliché thought it may be in it's depiction of the "rough and tough" crims of Boston and despite the somewhat contrived love story, I nevertheless found myself drawn into the world of career-criminal Doug MacRay, portrayed superbly by co-writer and director, Ben Affleck. Supporting him, is a superbly casted group of actors, including the sublime Jeremy Renner, who is thoroughly deserving of his various award nominations for his violent and menacing portrayal of MacRay's lifelong friend and cohort, James "Jem" Coughlin.
Taking just enough inspiration from Michael Mann's Heat without it becoming overtly distracting, Affleck's direction is tight and self assured, with the action scenes being particularly impressive. There is little to no "shaky-cam" here, just tight shots and lean editing, leading to a kinetic yet clear portrayal of such fast paced events as robberies, shoot- outs and car chases. The film certainly doesn't lack pace, with the FBI's pursuit of MacRay and co, growing ever closer and more tense, along with the motives and emotions of the group, clashing and intertwining.
This is a movie that I maybe expected to impress me, but not to immerse me in the way that it did. Also, as somebody that has visited the city of Boston before, it certainly made me want to go back and try to see more of it and perhaps in different ways too. Hopefully, for those that have never been, it may intrigue them into a visit.