I don’t want to make a big thing about it – it’s just an action-comedy, not an Oscar hopeful. But this movie is a good example of what it is. Matt Damon and Casey Affleck, both Academy Award winners, aren’t slumming so much as just having fun.
Rory (Matt Damon) and Cobby (Casey Affleck) are supposed to pull off a dangerous heist, but it’s clear from the outset that these two will be their own worst enemies.
It’s also a sure bet that the heist is going to go sideways, leaving them desperate and on the run. They’ll be chased by cops, robbers, and a wonderfully nasty Mayor (Ron Perlman, having a blast) whose corruption may surface if our less than dynamic duo succeeds.
Although the requisite car chases, things blowing up, and double-crossing show up like clockwork, it’s the humor that makes it all work. Not jokey, splashy gags, just low-key quips from Damon and Affleck that evoke gentle chuckles.
All credit to Director Doug Liman, who knows his way around this genre (Bourne Identity, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Roadhouse, etc.) and his sure hand is the uncredited third partner here. Liman is also probably the reason that he got Michael Stuhlbarg, Paul Walter Hauser, Ving Rhames, Alfred Molina, Toby Jones, and Perlman to sign up for relatively small parts.
But my favorite character is Damon’s psychotherapist (you’ll see why he needs one) played with wit and a twinkle by Hong Chau. Seriously, you’ll see.
So, you want to not have to think too much? Just casually check The Instigators which opens in theaters and on Apple+ TV August 9th. Rated R
