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The Instigators

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The Instigators

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Summary

Action crime comedy from the director of The Bourne Identity, starring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck. Just out of prison and down on his luck, army veteran Rory, who's struggling to support his ex-wife and son, is persuaded by career thief Cobby to help heist a corrupt mayor. But their best-laid plans go awry and the hapless pair are soon being chased across Boston by cops, mobsters and other felonious types.

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Review

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

James Mottram

Matt Damon and Casey Affleck headline this beguiling Boston-set crime caper, which provides a near-perfect blend of comedy and action. Damon stars as Rory, an ex-marine in dire straits who joins a heist during the city's local elections. When things go drastically awry, including the theft of a bracelet belonging to the crooked mayor (Ron Perlman), Rory and fellow robber Cobby (Affleck) are left fighting for their lives, with only Rory's therapist (Hong Chau) willing to help these two blue-collar desperadoes. Armed with a superb support cast, including Toby Jones, Alfred Molina, Michael Stuhlbarg and Paul Walter Hauser, what emerges is an engrossing, character-driven piece. Director Doug Liman (who worked with Damon on The Bourne Identity) adeptly handles the set pieces, including one almighty car chase cut to Petula Clark's Downtown. But it's the script, co-written by Affleck, that really sings, especially with its sharply observed American politics subplot that feels very Trumpian. This has a real "don't make 'em like they used to" vibe about it.

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6.2/10

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Credits

Cast

rolenameRoryMatt DamonCobbyCasey AffleckDr Donna RiveraHong ChauRichie DeChicoAlfred MolinaMr BesegaiMichael StuhlbargMayor MiccelliRon PerlmanAttorney Alan FlynnToby JonesBoochPaul Walter HauserFrank ToomeyVing Rhames

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Crew

rolenameDirectorDoug Liman

Details

Theatrical distributor

Apple Original Films

Released on

2024-08-09

Languages

English

Guidance

Violence, swearing

Formats

Colour

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