Film Review: The Town

In 2007, I finally forgave Ben Affleck for his contribution to the special effects driven shitfest that was Michael Bay's Pearl Harbour. Why you ask? Well, because he directed one of the best films of that year, Gone Baby Gone - a film that not only raised a lot of moral predicaments within my mind but also showcased Ben's bro, Casey, who seemed like he was capable of big things in the acting world. If we fast forward to present day, this time Affleck has placed himself in the lead role of his latest directing effort in the form of a heist thriller set in his hometown, Boston.

From its inception, the viewer is dropped right in the middle of four seemingly expert bank robbers fronted by Doug McCray (Affleck). In a mad panic, the group take bank manager Claire Keesey (Rebecca Hall) hostage, leaving her unharmed on a pebbly beach. Problems arise when McCray falls for Keesey after he is told to keep a watchful eye on her, seeing as she unluckily happens to live in the same neighbourhood as the robbers. As romance blossoms, the life of crime that McCray is so used to is put into question. However, moving on isn't so easy as his menacing boss, who is masquerading as a local florist, Fergie Colm (Pete Postlethwaite) wants him to pull off one last big job or else he and his new beau will be whacked.

What I enjoy about Ben Affleck now is that he has come to live by a very simple rule: write about what you know. Of course, I'm not insinuating that Affleck has taken part in bank robberies and is a straight up Boston thug, but the guy understands his former community well, which adds a much needed dash of realism to twenty-first century film making. This must have aided his actors such as Jeremy Renner from the magnificent Hurt Locker as a ruthless member of a bank robbing team who pulls off a convincing Boston slur with great ease. Alongside this, Affleck's knowledge of the layout and scenery of the city has allowed him to create amazing set pieces of fast paced action as well as complimenting this with exposing the uniqueness of the place he grew up in with beautiful shots and aerial camera sweeps which were also very much evident in his debut feature.

The Town may not have the emotional and ethical depth of Gone Baby Gone but it is a solid thriller set in a location that obviously means a great deal to Affleck. Because of this, he brings out the vibrancy of Boston which, I hope, will make Boston a new optional location for film-makers instead of the obvious New York or LA settings. And if you don't agree, you can, as many Bostonians would say, "go fuck yourself".