The Instigators
⭐️⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5)
Steven Soderburgh’s Ocean’s Eleven still qualifies as one of the best comedy heist films ever. There was sophistication, wit, and originality in the writing and ensemble performances that have been proven challenging to replicate by other filmmakers. Yet this is not a review of the classic from this Academy Award-winning director. Instead, this analysis of The Instigators is the antithesis of the Ocean’s franchise. Director Doug Liman (Road House) partners with writers Chuck Maclean and Casey Affleck to deliver this Bostonian blue-collar version of the modern-day caper.
Rory (Matt Damon) looks as if he has come to the end of himself as he no longer can determine how to pay for child support and help his son continue playing hockey. This desperation leads the Marine to assist with the robbery of the Mayor of Boston (Ron Pearlman) as he pockets the kickbacks from his mayoral race. Unfortunately, Rory os partnered with the ex-con Cobby (Casey Affleck) and the less-than-convincing frontman Scalvo (Jack Harlow) to do this smash-and-grab job. What looks like an easy in-and-out heist turns into a series of debacles into a maddening race against time and the majority of Boston’s finest. As they frantically try to work out how to escape the police dragnet, the pair turn to Rory's therapist, Dr. Donna Rivera (Hong Chau), for help. A decision that will lead to more problems than solutions for all three of them and everyone who gets in their path.
Casey Affleck and Matt Damon love returning to their Boston roots and tapping into a special connection as their Southy heritage comes through. Their banter is what saves this film from becoming a complete mess. Not to say that the overall experience isn’t maddening and utterly unbelievable, but their central characters do manage to be a highlight of this movie. The working-class setup provides the necessary intrigue and comedy to hook the audience into believing there is something worth hanging around for in the second act. Yet, once the heist begins and the plans are tested, the film’s production resembles the on-screen fiasco. Each step of the story’s arc tangents into more unbelievable twists and turns that introduce unnecessary and underutilised actors and characters. Hong Chau, Michael Stuhlbarg, Paul Walter Hauser, Ving Rhames, Alfred Molina, and Toby Jones are all left to two-dimensional parts or cameos that fail to capitalise on their talents or to help in moving the story along.
Doug Liman’s attempt at a Soderburgh-inspired caper has potential, but the bizarre and convoluted conclusion will leave most viewers feeling robbed.
REEL DIALOGUE: Does the end justify the means?
Matt Damon’s character has a well-intentioned purpose: to justify his life choices, but is it worth the risk? This question usually relates to breaking laws to achieve the end result. Some may say that there should be no limits to what we should do to achieve our goals, especially for the betterment of society.
That opens the door to a discussion of situational ethics. Still, for the sake of this discussion, the critical element that has to be considered is God. Suppose anyone says they are a follower of the God of the Bible when confronted with a situation. In that case, they must ask the question of the path they are about to choose. If it means breaking his commandments, defying his sovereign purpose, or bringing disgrace to His name, then the means do not justify the end.
Passages on the topic of the end justifying the means: Isaiah 46:10-11, Romans 8:28, 1 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Peter 1:15-16
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