JEANNE’S REVIEW
THE INSTIGATORS is a prime example of a very disappointing movie despite its stellar cast. Starring Matt Damon as Rory and Casey Affleck as Cobby, and directed by Doug Liman (THE BOURNE IDENTITY, 2002, EDGE OF TOMORROW, 2014), one would expect this action comedy to at least be somewhat enjoyable. Alas, no ---
Rory needs $32,480, a number often repeated throughout THE INSTIGATORS. He’s a father delinquent in child support, taxes, etc. Cobby is an ex-con who hangs around in a Boston bar all day owned by Mr. Kelly (André De Shields). Cobby’s “associate”, Scalvo (Jack Harlow), lines up a job for the threesome for a quick --- and supposedly easy --- payday.
Mr. Besegai (Michael Stuhlbarg), who owns a bakery and has connections, happens to know that the mayor of Boston, Miccelli (Ron Perlman, in a ridiculously over-the-top performance), who is running for re-election, keeps a ton of ill-gotten cash in a conspicuously huge safe in his office.
It is he who hires Scalvo, Rory and Cobby to steal the money. Of course, what should have been a relatively simple assignment goes awry. Now Rory and Cobby are on the run with Rory’s psychiatrist, Dr. Donna Rivera (Hong Chau), as their “hostage”. The screenplay, written by Chuck MacLean and Affleck, is preposterous and distinctly unentertaining. There is one very long and absurd car chase involving massive amounts of city and state police cars, helicopters and tanks --- and yet somehow Rory and Cobby manage to get away.
Ving Rhames is present as some kind of police fixer for the mayor. Toby Jones has a small role as the mayor’s attorney --- a total misuse of his time --- and ours. Alfred Molina plays Richie, Mr. Besegai’s sidekick and Paul Walter Hauser shows up in a throw away part as a goon.
THE INSTIGATORS is the most egregious waste of talent to come along in a long time. When Damon and Affleck can’t carry a film, you know there’s something amiss.
In theaters August 2, streaming on
Apple TV+ August 9
Opinion: Don’t Bother!
DAVID’S REVIEW
One way to describe this latest offering from director Doug Liman (THE BOURNE IDENTITY, MR. & MRS. SMITH, EDGE OF TOMORROW) is to report that it is a good premise gone awry. A solid lineup of established veteran actors also does not guarantee a hit film. Billed as a heist comedy, THE INSTIGATORS may wind up as the year’s most disappointing movie.
As my illustrious writing partner frequently opines: “It’s all about the writing”. In this case co-lead Casey Affleck teamed with Chuck MacLean for the screenplay. Part of the problem is that a good portion of the supposedly funny dialogue is not clear because of ancillary noise and sounds, like car chases drowning out the comments. But even when there is no interference from outside noise sources, most of the jokes fall flat.
Rory (Matt Damon) and Cobby (Affleck) are hired by Mr. Besegai (Michael Stuhlbarg) to rob the campaign war chest of the incumbent Mayor Miccelli (Ron Perlman) of Boston. It promises to be a large haul, but thievery plans don’t always work out. Rory only wants the specific amount of $32,480, regardless of the take, so he can get his life in order. In the opening scenes he tells his psychiatrist, Dr. Donna Rivera (Oscar nominee Hong Chau), that he is planning his own death.
A scruffy guy named Scalvo, (Jack Harlow), is constantly exasperated with Rory and Cobby, his two accomplices. Harlow’s performance is the most humorous in the film. The main wrinkle in the story has Dr. Rivera as a voluntary hostage fleeing with her patient Rory.
Alfred Molina, Ving Rhames and Toby Jones have smaller roles and Jones’ talent, especially, is wasted. Paul Walter Hauser, so good in previous films, is also not utilized sufficiently. Former New England Patriot tight end Rob Gronkowski plays himself in a cameo.
At least Liman’s film is a serviceable 101 minutes. And truthfully the actors do what they can with what they are given --- which unfortunately is not nearly good enough.
In theaters August 2, streaming on
Apple TV+ August 9
Opinion: Wait for VOD
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