Nicely shot although quite dull & slow

Rating: 3/10 (13 February 2011)

This is a very poor film. Affleck does a good job with the directing but aside from that, the film is appalling. The film isn't helped by a script that is insincere & rather unbelievable (Eg - Affleck's dad is a notorious bank robber serving life sentences after killing two guards on a failed heist & yet the FBI never think to look into the possibility of his son being in the same 'trade'......Which is compounded by the line "Its like a family trade, passed down by generation to generation" which is mentioned by an FBI Agent! ). I didn't want to write this review as a tirade against Affleck but its hard not to when he directed/ co-wrote & had the lead role in this film. His acting is passable but his lines are forgettable, especially his attempt at a gravelly voice which does grate after a few scenes. All the other Actors in this film give terrific performances, especially Renner whose portrayal of Coughlin is excellent. You really feel how unpredictable his character is which makes for great tension on-screen. That said it still does not help the overall feel of the film. It plods along playing out an obvious plot which fails to go anywhere interesting or believable. Its shot well with excellent lighting & Post Production work, giving a dark & gritty portrayal of Charlstown but the story is a non-starter which is seriously let down by its writing and screen play.
I'd avoid this film if you can. If you get the chance you could maybe buy this on DVD & then smash it to pieces safe in the knowledge that you'd be saving someone else from seeing it. It is that bad. Mr Affleck - Stick to doing everything else apart from Acting & Writing & Directing and the world will be a safer place.