When I first heard Ben Affleck was directing another Boston-based movie I couldn't wait to get to the theater to see it. I was so impressed by his directorial debut with Gone Baby Gone that I knew I had to see his next film. I became even more excited when I learned he was the lead alongside a cast that includes Jeremy Renner (the Hurt Locker), Jon Hamm (Mad Men) and Blake Lively (Gossip Girl).
Sunday night I went with three girlfriends to the Somerville Theatre in Davis Square to check it out. I love going to that theater because it has such an old fashioned feel. We saw a few previews including one for an independent film called Cherry that looks pretty funny.
The Town was even more than I expected. The first thing that struck me was how many beautiful, authentic shots they got of the city of Boston; Downtown, Fenway Park, Charlestown, Harvard Square, the North End and more. Every aerial view was breathtaking. It was also incredibly fun to recognize all the places they were shooting.
The film also captured the spirit of Boston and it's people. Just like with Gone Baby Gone, they used local residents as extras and it really adds to the candid nature of the film.
I thought Ben Affleck was exceptional in this role. The story line (man lives a life of crime, wants to start over) is an old one, but he brought new life to the theme and you really rooted for him.
Jeremy Renner was flawless as the ultra violent, ultra angry, just released from prison best friend who always brings the conversation back to loyalty.
Jon Hamm was so haunting as the FBI agent dying to nail Ben and his crew that I actually had nightmares about him for two nights after seeing the film. Not because he was overly violent but because he had the absolute worst intentions and was desperately seeking to destroy Ben and his buddies.
Blake Lively was a disappointment here as she never mastered the Boston accent and seemed to only be cast for her boobs.
Rebecca Hall plays Ben Affleck's love interest. This should have been a break out role for her (like Vera Farmiga in The Departed) but I just never latched onto her and her story.
As for the plot, there was a ton of extreme violence and gore, particularly at the end. My heart was pounding during every robbery scene and I was told by one of the girls I saw the movie with that I had my hands over my mouth for most of the movie. Ha! I didn't even notice. I was definitely scared and they did a superb job building the suspense.
If you love the city of Boston, Ben Affleck and a great crime thriller, The Town is an absolute must.
