With the high-caliber list of actors starring in The Instigators, you’d think the movie would be better—not necessarily novel or smart, but funny or entertaining, at least. You keep waiting for that moment to happen, but it never comes. If there are jokes, they’re delivered in a deadpan manner that doesn’t seem to fit with the movie’s tone. The Instigators is an okay film to put on when you’re scrambling to look for something to watch with your dad. He’ll recognize more than a few faces and enjoy the banter between hardcore Bostonians Damon and Affleck (the other one). Backed by Apple’s deep pockets, it’s also a spectacle of an action film, with explosions and car crashes to spare. Just don’t expect anything more than that, then you should be able to sit through the movie.
"As it happens, the movie works best in the downtime, when there’s wry, slightly combative banter between the two antiheroes."
— Peter Debruge
Rory and Cobby are unlikely partners thrown together for a heist. But when it goes awry, they team up with an unusual accomplice — Rory's therapist — to outrun police, backward bureaucrats, and a vengeful crime boss.
When desperate robbers Rory (Matt Damon) and Cobby (Casey Affleck) fail their heist mission, they’re left to defend themselves against their violent boss and the police.
It’s gonna be hard to shake off the Boston accent after watching this. Watch out for that ca-ah!
Do yourselves a favor and watch the SNL skit where Casey Affleck plays a Dunkin-loving local instead—it’s basically this movie, but funnier.
