Damon and Affleck's Heist Flick Fails to Ignite the Spark

In the Boston-set heist movie "The Instigators," Matt Damon and Casey Affleck play a pair of glib everymen enlisted by a group of underworld overactors, led by Michael Stuhlbarg, to steal the mayor's reelection campaign slush fund. When the heist goes awry, the film follows their attempt to stay alive and get at least a little rich for their trouble.

A Missed Opportunity for a Thrilling Caper

Talented Cast, Lackluster Execution

Damon, Affleck, and Hong Chau deliver solid performances, and the supporting cast, including Stuhlbarg and Alfred Molina, is equally impressive. However, the film fails to capitalize on the talents of its ensemble. The script, co-written by Affleck and Chuck MacLean, is dominated by murmured asides and half-hearted zingers, with a barrage of tin-ear profanity where the punchlines should be. Director Doug Liman's framing, shooting, and pacing of the action promise bigger thrills and a higher-velocity comic thriller than "The Instigators" can ultimately deliver.

A Familiar Heist Premise, Lacking Originality

The film's premise of a botched heist and the protagonists' attempts to stay alive and profit from the situation is not entirely novel. The script's sardonic tone suggests a "Grosse Pointe Blank" on a much larger scale or an "Ocean's Eleven" vibe, with both Damon and Affleck having appeared in the "Ocean's" remakes. However, "The Instigators" lacks the stylish execution and memorable characters that made those films so engaging.

Missed Opportunities for Tension and Humor

The film's low-stakes approach and lackadaisical pacing undermine the potential for genuine tension and thrills. Damon's character, Rory, is meant to be the sullen, taciturn, and depressed one, with a sympathetic backstory involving unpaid child support and a tenuous relationship with his teenage son. Affleck's Cobby, the motormouth and formerly incarcerated wiseacre, is meant to provide the comic relief. However, the script fails to fully explore these character dynamics or leverage them for meaningful dramatic or comedic impact.

A Forgettable Heist Flick

Ultimately, "The Instigators" is a forgettable heist flick that squanders the talents of its cast and the potential of its premise. While it may pass the time for some viewers, the film lacks the spark and originality to truly engage or entertain. Damon, Affleck, and the rest of the ensemble have all delivered far more compelling performances in the past, leaving one to wonder what could have been with a more polished script and a director better suited to the material.