Boston is a dramatic little "Town"

Movies are hyped in many ways - some by the internet, others by ubiquitous television or print ads, and still others by the rumor of the “O” word. Most people find out about films through their trailers. When I saw the trailer for Ben Affleck’s “The Town”, I knew I would see it, but I also thought that the trailer gave away the whole film.

I’m glad that it didn’t. The trailer only shows PART of the story – and not even all the best parts.

Much has been said about Affleck (or as I affectionately call him “Affleckted”). Affleck isn’t that great of an actor. I read last week that he’s this generation’s Clint Eastwood, an actor who can do both. This is his showcase, and as much as I hate to admit it, he succeeds beautifully.

Most of this material isn’t particularly new, and in all honestly, the first few minutes drag. I was actually thinking for a few minutes that this film had fallen victim to being overhyped, and that audiences were just so starved for a film with some substance that they would eat any scraps they were tossed.

But as the story develops, and the characters evolve, the film becomes its own entity, with Affleck’s own stamp. It is indeed an ode to Boston, with all its good and bad. It is about brotherhood, and redemption, and consequences. It’s a sometimes heavy-handed drama, but also a dynamic action movie. It’s an ensemble film that still has one clear lead.

It’s not at all surprising this film has succeeded. The cast is fantastic. Jeremy Renner (who needs to be nominated) continues doing stellar work as Affleck’s best friend and counterpart, the catalyst of the entire film. Jon Hamm trades in his Don Draper attitude for FBI blue (and unfortunately, plaid) and shows that he can act (and curse) with the best of them. Rebecca Hall plays the bank teller who gets her heart and vault money stolen. The only question mark is Blake Lively – her character exists only for one scene, nowhere near enough to see if she has depth.

The weakest performance is really Affleck’s, and who could blame him? I’m sure that people will tout him for an acting nod, but I don’t really see how it is deserved. His direction and framing of the film surely overshadow the acting performance. He’s ok, but he has melodramatic moments. But given the strength of the chases and the look and feel of the entire film, I’ll forgive him.

Is “The Town” the best film I’ve seen this year? Surely not. That would still be Christopher Nolan’s “Inception”. When the bar has been set that high, it should be difficult for anything to surpass it. But I do readily concede this film could be a solid contender – there are ten slots, after all. But as a start of the fall (read that as “Grown Up”) cinematic season, it certainly is a solid start.