The Instigators

2024 - 8 - 9

What Happens When Matt Damon and Casey Affleck Team Up? Pure Comedy Gold!

Apple TV+ - Boston culture - Casey Affleck - Doug Liman - film review - heist movie - Matt Damon - The Instigators

Prepare for laughs and a few heists gone wrong with Matt Damon and Casey Affleck in 'The Instigators'.

In a fresh take on the classic heist genre, 'The Instigators' brings together two beloved actors, Matt Damon and Casey Affleck, in a crime caper filled with mishaps and awkward moments. The plot revolves around a botched heist that forces these two bumbling Boston crooks into an uneasy partnership. Set against the vibrant backdrop of South Boston, the film injects a humorous twist on the struggles of failed criminals trying to navigate their way through both life's challenges and each other's quirks. With Damon and Affleck at the helm, audiences can expect a healthy dose of comedic timing interspersed with chaotic crime dynamics.

Despite the film’s competent execution, critiques suggest that 'The Instigators' doesn't quite seem to take itself seriously enough, making it a tad too laidback for a heist film. According to various reviews, while the chemistry between Damon and Affleck provides plenty of laughs, some scenes can feel meandering, lacking that edge of urgency needed for the story to stand out. Yet, for those who appreciate a light-hearted caper that pays homage to its Bostonian roots, this film definitely delivers a few solid chuckles along the way, proving to be an amusing watch.

Casey Affleck’s determination to bring his old friend Matt Damon on board is perhaps one of the highlights of the production story. Rumor has it he managed to convince Damon to join him by simply asking—because who wouldn’t want to dive into an absurd misadventure with a pal? Their witty banter and on-screen dynamism capture the spirit of two friends who are equally stubborn and lovable, reminding us why we fell in love with their interactions in previous films. From crazy plots to wild punchlines, the duo demonstrates how friendship can thrive amidst chaotic criminal encounters.

On the fashion front, ‘The Instigators’ also gives a nod to Boston’s iconic workwear and even includes a few references to the legendary Boston Red Sox. Costume designers creatively weave in local culture into the aesthetics, making the film a visual treat for fans of the city. Ultimately, ‘The Instigators’ may not reinvent the heist wheel, but it certainly spins it in an entertaining direction worth watching.

For some fun trivia, did you know this isn’t the first time the dynamic duo collaborated on a project? They previously starred together in 'Good Will Hunting', which catapulted them into Hollywood fame! Additionally, 'The Instigators' showcases a diverse cast, with inclusion of rising star Jack Harlow, bridging the gap between genres and audiences while keeping it as fresh as possible. So grab your popcorn and settle in for a quirky ride with Matt Damon and Casey Affleck in 'The Instigators'!

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Image courtesy of "NPR"

Matt Damon and Casey Affleck are 'The Instigators' in a classic heist ... (NPR)

After a heist goes bad, two inept Boston crooks (played by Damon and Affleck) become uneasy partners. The Instigators is a reasonably enjoyable film that ...

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Image courtesy of "IGN"

The Instigators Review - IGN (IGN)

Matt Damon and Casey Affleck play mismatched screwups in a crime caper that's fun but a little too laidback.

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Image courtesy of "Houston Press"

Reviews For The Easily Distracted: The Instigators (Houston Press)

Better Tagline: "You need some fackin' therapy." Not So Brief Plot Synopsis: Crime boss Mr. Besaghi (Michael Stuhlbarg) has a problem: he's got the perfect plan ...

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Image courtesy of "USA TODAY"

Casey Affleck got Matt Damon to star in 'The Instigators' by asking ... (USA TODAY)

For "The Instigators," Casey Affleck convinced his old pal Matt Damon to join him in a crime caper that tests the bounds of conventional therapy.

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo Movies UK"

The Instigators review: Matt Damon and Hong Chau bring this heist ... (Yahoo Movies UK)

3/5 This Apple TV+ film does not reinvent the wheel, but its jokes land here and there.

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Image courtesy of "WWD"

'The Instigators' Pays Homage to Boston Workwear, the Red Sox ... (WWD)

A breakdown of the costumes in 'The Instigators' film starring Matt Damon, Jack Harlow and Casey Affleck. The costume designer talks Boston workwear, ...

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Image courtesy of "City A.M."

The Instigators review: Matt Damon is wasted in this (City A.M.)

Matt Damon is let down by a forgettable plot in The Instigators, a heist movie without a heart, says our film critic Victoria Luxford.

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Image courtesy of "WWD"

Photos from 'The Instigators' Film (WWD)

See photos from 'The Instigators' film starring Matt Damon, Casey Affleck, Jack Harlow and more from Apple TV+.

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Image courtesy of "Sentinel-Tribune"

Review: In 'The Instigators,' a heist goes terrifically wrong - Sent-trib (Sentinel-Tribune)

Though depression lurks around the edges of “The Instigators,” Doug Liman's heist movie is a loosely amiable return to South Boston for Matt Damon and Casey ...

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Image courtesy of "NOLA.com"

New Orleans' Hong Chau adds action to her arsenal with 'The ... (NOLA.com)

Hong Chau was wearing her junket smile, that polite expression assumed by Hollywood actors as they endure the same questions over and again from a string of ...

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Image courtesy of "Screen Rant"

The Instigators Soundtrack Guide: Every Song & When They Play (Screen Rant)

Viewers can find the original soundtrack on Spotify, YouTube, & Apple Music but must search for individual songs to listen. Apart from walking through a ...

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Image courtesy of "ABC News"

The Instigators review: Matt Damon and Casey Affleck pair up in the ... (ABC News)

The Instigators is Apple TV+'s latest attempt at reverse-engineering the kind of late-night TV movie best enjoyed by your dad.

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Image courtesy of "The Arts Desk"

The Instigators, Apple TV+ review - Matt Damon and Casey Affleck ... (The Arts Desk)

Doug Liman's black-comedy thriller is lifted by its high-octane cast. Film review by Adam Sweeting.

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

From The Instigators to Bludfest: a complete guide to this week's ... (The Guardian)

Matt Damon and Casey Affleck star in a breezy Bostonian crime caper, while Doncaster's favourite goth-pop pup, Yungblud, stages his own festival.

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Image courtesy of "Oneonta Daily Star"

Movies: 'The Instigators' delivers a caper comedy with a twist (Oneonta Daily Star)

What if they made a heist movie, but there isn't any heist?

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Image courtesy of "USA TODAY"

Patriots fan Matt Damon loved Gronk's 'showstopping' 'Instigators ... (USA TODAY)

New England Patriots icon Rob "Gronk" Gronkowski thrilled famous fans Matt Damon and Casey Affleck with his cameo in their movie "The Instigators."

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo News Canada"

'The Instigators': Matt Damon, Casey Affleck lead muted comedy ... (Yahoo News Canada)

Boston boys band together for the movie The Instigators on Apple TV+ starring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck, with Ben Affleck among the producers.

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