The Instigators

An absurdly well-cast film that has lethargy encoded in its DNA. It works with that consistently thanks to the fact that the heist involves a pair of thoroughly dissociated losers who get mixed up in an absurdly tense situation, but one doesn’t take it seriously because he is a very phlegmatic alcoholic and the other because he is afflicted with some form of autism. Casey Affleck in particular relishes his role as an empty Bostonian and greatly helps to keep the film afloat. With slightly better writing and directing, there was potential for The Instigators to be a Coen-esque black comedy or outsider blues in the style of Logan Lucky. Nevertheless, Doug Liman seems just as resigned as his characters, so the result is moderately tolerable and forgettable streaming hollowness. (08/23/2024)

I don’t think this film is as bad as others users rate it. The Instigators is certainly nothing objectively good, and it's exactly the kind of movie I won't remember in a week, but on the other hand I have to admit that I laughed more than enough throughout it. The story moves forward without stopping, so there is always something going on and you don’t get bored, there is plenty of humour, both in the situational jokes and in the overall concept, with the two intellectually simple thieves Matt Damon and Casey Affleck robbing the mayor and a merry-go-round of events ensues (as usual). It's simple, light-hearted, funny and despite expecting much more from the lead cast and the experienced director, I'm not downright dissatisfied. Average to fill a dull evening, but otherwise it's definitely a film to be skipped without regret. (08/11/2024)

Doug Liman has disappointed me for the second time this year. Unfortunately. After a poorly executed remake of the 90s action classic Road House, he now tackles an action comedy that initially seemed like an intriguing project on paper. The cast, in particular, promised a quality viewing experience. But that script never materialized. I haven’t seen such a weak and ineffective film in a long time. The first third was bearable and even had moments that entertained me. But what happened in the second half left me stunned. It felt like the screenwriters had gone on strike and handed the script over to their little kids. I can’t otherwise explain the poor story and, in a word, the disastrous ending. I give it 3.5/10. P.S. It's a shame about Matt Damon and Casey Affleck... They really tried :( (08/18/2024)