August 5, 2024
FILM: THE INSTIGATORS
DIRECTED BY: DOUG LIMAN
STARRING: MATT DAMON, CASEY AFFLECK, HONG CHAU
RATING: 3 out of 4 stars
By Dan Pal
In one of my recent reviews on a little film called Peak Season I joked about its lack of car chases. Clearly, films with a lot of such scenes aren’t my usual cup of tea. I tend to stay away from most of them. So, what gives with The Instigators? Why would I recommend a film which has plenty of chases and an explosion or two? The answers stem from the director and cast – all seasoned filmmakers who know how to take what could be a routine premise and turn it into something worth checking out.
Back in the 90s when I first start teaching, I created a course on maverick filmmakers. At the time, this meant Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Kevin Smith. I also included Doug Liman who at that point had directed two of my favorite films: Go and Swingers. He then went on to direct Matt Damon in The Bourne Identity – another solidly good film and at least one other decent bigger budget film: Edge of Tomorrow. The rest of his work generally hasn’t interested me until now. Part of the reason is the script written by Chuck MacLean and Casey Affleck. The latter stars with Damon as two middle aged guys, Rory and Cobby, taking a heist job that goes wrong thanks in part to the hot head younger dude they go in with (singer Jack Harlow as Scalvo.) What ensues is an attempt by Rory and Cobby to go on the run with the help of Rory’s therapist, played by Hong Chau.
If that sounds a bit convoluted, it is, but the plot is never too complex to leave viewers confusingly scratching their heads. Yes, there are a few questionable narrative swings, such as the whole therapist involvement, that seem somewhat nonsensical but Liman and the actors never take the proceedings too seriously. That is, in part, what makes the film work. There is a lot of humor in the film which keeps most of the adventure pretty light in an action/screwball comedy kind of way with a few expected over the top car chases. However, these never over stay their welcome and never dominate the narrative.
This is where the script excels. Established very quickly are some very solid characters. Damon’s role as Rory is particularly a lot of fun to watch. He’s an ex-Marine who’s a bit sullen and in need of a very specific amount of money to reunite with his son. The character is uneasy, psychologically battered, and quirky in his moves and note taking before the big heist. Affleck’s Cobby is initially more assured and confident and his interactions with others, such as bar owner Mr. Kelly (Andre De Shields), suggests he’s been trouble for a while.
Both actors are skilled at delivering the many comical one-liners that pop up here and there throughout the script. Because they’re both from the Boston area where the film takes place, these guys know their characters. We instantly feel a certain comfort hearing Damon, for instance, with a local accent. With his greying hair but still fit body the actor easily takes on the right look of someone down on his luck in this town. Affleck also fills the Boston suit perfectly.
Of course, there is also a very big ensemble cast here that Liman directs very well to fit the setting as well as the film’s lighter tone. Hong Chau plays the therapist role with confidence and just enough edge to almost buy the character’s involvement with Rory and Cobby. Michael Stuhlbarg is also great as mastermind Besegai who has to go on his own run when the heist goes awry. Alfred Molina, Ron Perlman, Ving Rhames, and Toby Jones also have a lot to contribute as they expertly ride the fence between being fierce and funny at the same time.
There’s nothing particularly groundbreaking about the film but that it manages to feel equally silly and not shallow. The script and actors make it entertaining and fun. It is sad that not even this type of film gets a significant theatrical release these days. A decade or so ago this would have easily been an above average summer box office hit. Instead, after a brief run, The Instigators, not being a children’s or superhero movie, will make its way to AppleTV+ beginning August 9th. That’s where the film industry is at today.
FILM: THE INSTIGATORS
DIRECTED BY: DOUG LIMAN
STARRING: MATT DAMON, CASEY AFFLECK, HONG CHAU
RATING: 3 out of 4 stars
By Dan Pal
In one of my recent reviews on a little film called Peak Season I joked about its lack of car chases. Clearly, films with a lot of such scenes aren’t my usual cup of tea. I tend to stay away from most of them. So, what gives with The Instigators? Why would I recommend a film which has plenty of chases and an explosion or two? The answers stem from the director and cast – all seasoned filmmakers who know how to take what could be a routine premise and turn it into something worth checking out.
Back in the 90s when I first start teaching, I created a course on maverick filmmakers. At the time, this meant Quentin Tarantino, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Kevin Smith. I also included Doug Liman who at that point had directed two of my favorite films: Go and Swingers. He then went on to direct Matt Damon in The Bourne Identity – another solidly good film and at least one other decent bigger budget film: Edge of Tomorrow. The rest of his work generally hasn’t interested me until now. Part of the reason is the script written by Chuck MacLean and Casey Affleck. The latter stars with Damon as two middle aged guys, Rory and Cobby, taking a heist job that goes wrong thanks in part to the hot head younger dude they go in with (singer Jack Harlow as Scalvo.) What ensues is an attempt by Rory and Cobby to go on the run with the help of Rory’s therapist, played by Hong Chau.
If that sounds a bit convoluted, it is, but the plot is never too complex to leave viewers confusingly scratching their heads. Yes, there are a few questionable narrative swings, such as the whole therapist involvement, that seem somewhat nonsensical but Liman and the actors never take the proceedings too seriously. That is, in part, what makes the film work. There is a lot of humor in the film which keeps most of the adventure pretty light in an action/screwball comedy kind of way with a few expected over the top car chases. However, these never over stay their welcome and never dominate the narrative.
This is where the script excels. Established very quickly are some very solid characters. Damon’s role as Rory is particularly a lot of fun to watch. He’s an ex-Marine who’s a bit sullen and in need of a very specific amount of money to reunite with his son. The character is uneasy, psychologically battered, and quirky in his moves and note taking before the big heist. Affleck’s Cobby is initially more assured and confident and his interactions with others, such as bar owner Mr. Kelly (Andre De Shields), suggests he’s been trouble for a while.
Both actors are skilled at delivering the many comical one-liners that pop up here and there throughout the script. Because they’re both from the Boston area where the film takes place, these guys know their characters. We instantly feel a certain comfort hearing Damon, for instance, with a local accent. With his greying hair but still fit body the actor easily takes on the right look of someone down on his luck in this town. Affleck also fills the Boston suit perfectly.
Of course, there is also a very big ensemble cast here that Liman directs very well to fit the setting as well as the film’s lighter tone. Hong Chau plays the therapist role with confidence and just enough edge to almost buy the character’s involvement with Rory and Cobby. Michael Stuhlbarg is also great as mastermind Besegai who has to go on his own run when the heist goes awry. Alfred Molina, Ron Perlman, Ving Rhames, and Toby Jones also have a lot to contribute as they expertly ride the fence between being fierce and funny at the same time.
There’s nothing particularly groundbreaking about the film but that it manages to feel equally silly and not shallow. The script and actors make it entertaining and fun. It is sad that not even this type of film gets a significant theatrical release these days. A decade or so ago this would have easily been an above average summer box office hit. Instead, after a brief run, The Instigators, not being a children’s or superhero movie, will make its way to AppleTV+ beginning August 9th. That’s where the film industry is at today.