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| Movie Review: The Town Alternate Title: To Catch a Thief
Story: Fasten your seat belts
while watching this gripping, action packed, yet character driven, cops
and robbers tour de force. Deftly directed by Ben Affleck
and written by Peter Craig, Mr. Affleck and Aaron
Stockard the film is based on the novel “Prince
of Thieves” by Chuck Hogan. Charlestown, Massachusetts lays claim to a dubious
distinction. It is the robbery capital of the US. In Charlestown, bank
robbery is a family tradition handed down from father to son. The
Town, finds four old friends living that tradition large
and loud. Their latest bank heist gets violent and a hostage is taken.
She is let go - but turns out she lives very close to the robbers. Yes,
there is a developing love story thrown in the mix but it does not take
a thing away from the suspense, the action, the nail biting car chases
or the story line. The performances across the board are excellent
and you will care for the characters regardless of their flaws. The
production values, the details in each scene and the general look of
the film all work well. Kudos to Ben Affleck. He has found his calling. Watch the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXY_JvOK63c Acting: The entire cast works perfectly. Ben
Affleck as leader of the pack, Doug MacRay does a fine job.
Rebecca Hall as Claire Keesey, gives her usual terrific
performance.Jon Hamm as Adam Frawley is fine to look
at and gives a terrific performance as the FBI agent.Hurt Locker's
Jeremy Renner as James Coughlin is a terrific loose cannon.
Blake Lively as Krista Coughlin was perfect. Slaine
as Gloansy Magloan, Owen Burke as Desmond Elden, Titus
Welliver as Dino Ciampa, Pete Postlethwaite
as Fergie Colm and Chris Cooper as Stephen MacRay all
gave great performances.
Trivia: Rebecca Hall is the daughter of the English
theater director Peter Hall (who founded the Royal Shakespeare Company)
and the American opera singer Maria Ewing. Maria Ewing's mother was
Dutch, while her father was Sioux and black. Jon Hamm
is Mad Men's Don Draper. Blake Lively was born in a
showbiz family in California and quickly followed her parents and siblings
steps. Her first role was Trixie the Tooth Fairy in 1998 movie "Sandman"
directed by her dad, Ernie Lively. Her big break came along a few years
later though. Blake was up to finish high school when she got the co-starring
role of Bridget in "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants."
Predilection: None
Critters: None
Sex Spectrum: There were two sex scenes but little
was shown.
Blatant Product Placement: Bud Light
Soundtrack: Exciting
Opening Titles: A robbery takes place and then just
the title. All other credits are at the end.
Visual Art: Charlestown looks terrific despite the
thugs.
Theater Audience: My Wednesday movie buddy, Sunjit
and I had a reunion. We have not seen a movie together since last June.
We, along with about 30 other patrons enjoyed the early Wednesday matinee.
Weather: Good
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: The scenes are nail biters - but not
squirmy.
Drift Factor: I did not look at my watch once.
Predictability Level: Highish
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: Possibly
Big Screen or Rental: Go for the big screen on this
one. You could also rent Gone baby Gone, Affleck's
directorial debut.
Length: Two hours
LOBO HOWLS: 9
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