The Town

Director: Ben Affleck

Run Time: 2 Hrs. 3 Min.

Rating: R

The Bouw-Man.

At age 38, Ben Affleck has reinvented himself in Hollywood.  His career began with prominent roles in such independent film hits as “Dazed and Confused,” “Chasing Amy” and “Mallrats.”  However, it was the ultimate independent film hit “Good Will Hunting” that pole vaulted both him and Matt Damon’s career in 1997.  After “Good Will Hunting” his stature soared, but much of his critical acclaim soured.  “Pearl Harbor,” “Reindeer Games,” “Gigli,” “Surviving Christmas,” “Daredevil” and “Paycheck” represent some of the most poorly reviewed films of the last decade.  However, in 2006 things began to turn positively for Affleck.  With his performance as George Reeves in “Hollywoodland” ironically, Hollywood began to take him seriously again.  He made his directorial debut in 2007 with “Gone Baby Gone” (one of my personal favorites), and took on a supporting role in fine films such as “He’s Just Not That Into You,” “Extract” and “State of Play.”  Now he directs his second film, “The Town,” while starring in it as well.  “The Town” could go a long way in his continued career revitalization.

 

The trailer makes me excited to go see this film opening weekend.  Not only does it appear to have the intensity of “Mystic River” and “Gone Baby Gone,” but many of the key elements (including the Boston backdrop) of those two films are heavily involved here with “The Town.”  Although hostage negotiating, kidnapping and bank robbing is used way to much as the central plot in today’s movies, if done correctly it can still produce an effective product.  Since I loved both “Mystic River” and “Gone Baby Gone,” I’m hopeful that “The Town” will have a similar effect on me.  Based on the preview, the film looks great.  Being connected with those other brilliant thrillers only raises expectations that much higher. 

Prediction.

The saddest thing about the film industry today is that smart adult films don’t usually produce big dollars.  For all of the accolades “Mystic River” received, its opening weekend total was only $10.5 million.  Granted it eventually got up to $90 domestically, but it usually takes a while to generate the buzz.  A September opening, coupled with heated adult competition, doesn’t bode well for “The Town.”  I’m rooting for it, and I will gladly hand over my money for a ticket this weekend, but I’m skeptical it will be a financial success.  Let’s go with $11.5 million.  

Opening Weekend Gross: $11.5 Million

Noodles.

I like Ben Affleck. It came as a complete surprise to me one day when someone said that he wasn't a popular figure in the movies anymore. I mean I saw "Pay Check" and didn't think it was the greatest thing ever made, but I find something about his personality and the way he carries himself appealing. So when I see a trailer like the one here for 'The Town' I have to admit I'm a little intrigued. 

Seems as though Affleck's going back to his successful roots in Boston (Good Will Hunting, anyone?) just like his best mate Matt Damon did with 'The Departed.' He's bringing out that Boston accent and putting together what looks like a decent action/drama film. The only hesitation I feel is with the "one last job" theme that seems to be in every one of these criminal type movies. I'm sure a film exists where we get to see a crew at the beginning of their career go through some crazy adventures. I want to see that movie.

Prediction.

I think this one will do pretty well considering the timing, the caliber of acting talent, and the competition for box office dollars. I think a responsible number would be $14 Million but since I'm such a fan and I really like the way this movie looks I'm pumping that by a couple of bucks.

Opening Weekend: Gross: $17 Million

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