THE TOWN (2010)

[The Burgomaster]

This is the most Oscar-worthy movie I've seen so far this year.  Between this and GONE, BABY, GONE, Ben Affleck has proven he's the reigning master of "getting it right" when it comes to capturing the look, feel, and personalities of blue collar people and neighborhoods in the Greater Boston area. 

The movie is about a group of bank/armored car robbers in Charlestown, Massachusetts.  It's got some top-notch scenes, solid dialogue, and memorable performances.  At the top of the list is Jeremy Renner (THE HURT LOCKER) as Affleck's violent cohort.  Look for him to haul down a Best Supporting Actor nomination and possibly a win. 

I hate to say this after just seeing this movie once, but it very well may have creeped into my top 25 favorite movies.  I'll give a final decision on that after I see it a couple more times.

Highly recommended.

[zombie no.one]

I can't say I'm a massive Ben Affleck fan (in general, I liked him in Dazed & confused) but I will look out for this, on your recommendation. cheers...

[Rev. Powell]

I thought it was good, not great.  A nice mix of action and drama and it managed to squeeze some new life out of familiar old characters (reluctant crook trapped in a life of crime by circumstances and misplaced loyalty, loose cannon buddy who could ruin everything with his rashness, girlfriend who doesn't know the dirty secret, nasty old crime kingpin whose more dangerous than he appears). There's a nice, old fashioned chase scene and some memorable performances.  I'll give it 3.5/5 stars.   

As far as Oscar nominees I'm sure it will do well but to me, I'm not sure it deserves much notice.  I thought INCEPTION, THE SOCIAL NETWORK, WINTER'S BONE and TOY STORY 3 were all miles above this one this year.  I wouldn't be shocked or disappointed to see several acting noms, though. 

I still don't like Ben Affleck. 

[Jim H]

I thought it was good, not great.  A nice mix of action and drama and it managed to squeeze some new life out of familiar old characters (reluctant crook trapped in a life of crime by circumstances and misplaced loyalty, loose cannon buddy who could ruin everything with his rashness, girlfriend who doesn't know the dirty secret, nasty old crime kingpin whose more dangerous than he appears). There's a nice, old fashioned chase scene and some memorable performances.  I'll give it 3.5/5 stars.   

As far as Oscar nominees I'm sure it will do well but to me, I'm not sure it deserves much notice.  I thought INCEPTION, THE SOCIAL NETWORK, WINTER'S BONE and TOY STORY 3 were all miles above this one this year.  I wouldn't be shocked or disappointed to see several acting noms, though. 

I still don't like Ben Affleck. 

I basically completely agree, though I think I'd go up to an 8/10.  Definitely worth a watch for some very fine acting, I'll say that much.

[Neville]

While I understand the hatred against Ben Affleck, because he did some really s**tty movies in his time, I don't share it. If I got paid a gazillion dollars to do "The sum of all fears" or "Gigli", I'd did it too. But the guy is not nearly as bad an actor as you may thing. Watch "Hollywoodland" and tell me if he's not just great in that one.

So it's good to hear he's doing well as a film director. I enjoyed "Gone baby gone", although IMHO the best thing in it is Cassey Affleck. I'll probably watch this one as soon as it opens in my country, I like what I'm reading about it online.