User reviews

It's a good Sunday afternoon feet up watch. Grab your snacks & enjoy.

Starts a touch slow but builds. All the actors do their job.

The biggest selling point for this film, is that, it is an actual original non-condensing fun film made for adults. And these days that's very rare. No remake, gender role reversal, super hero, victim chic in sight.

The film isn't going to pull up trees. The script & direction/editing could have been better, but it is a solid 6.8 & as such it's enjoyable.

There's not much more to say without sounding pretentious.

This film is for popcorn & relaxation. The purpose of this film is at the heart of why movies are made; simply to entertain.

The score in IMDB was not so tempting to get me watching this movie, but the cast did. Matt Damon and Casey Affleck? Yeah...I'm in. It's not a brilliant movie but also not that predictable as you suppose it would. It has all the elements to create a fine heist comedy with two Imbeciles, but it stays in this level of harmless fun and no evolving to something more.

What happens when a bunch of wrong guys are joining to rob the corrupted Bostonian mayor himself? Troubles. And the troubles get several funny and fun twists, for the movie to actually use its wide cast, for each and every mishap that both of main characters are encountering.

Matt Damon is wearing his Bostonian accent and Casey Affleck stays the chill character, that he is always is, except probably in real life. They got such a rear cast as assisting chamoes almost and contain - Hong Chau, Ron Perlman, Toby Jones, Michael Stuhlbarg, Alfred Molina and even Ving Rhames - all in such small parts, but contributing in their own ways.

Its not a complicated movie that takes us to a journey in the souls of two people that got into crime, though it has a psychological angle, it is just a movie about a job that got wrong and about corrupted people that makes the system stays corrupted, though again - a small taste and bite from those heavy items, that are running in the background for a movie that did his job and gave me a fun time. Without expecting it to be like that.

This is a lighthearted fun movie which doesn't take itself too seriously. Having watched the trailer a few weeks ago I was interested in seeing this. That said I am no Casey Affleck fan, but I have to say he was very good.

This is one of those films where everything that could go wrong for the protagonists, does go wrong. I found myself chuckling at the ineptitude and misfortune of the main characters, and willing them on to achieve their goal. I also thought that psychiatrist played a great role in the film, at times dead pan, and at other times she was very funny.

For me, this is a good old fashioned comedy crime caper and worth a look.

Love the incessant patter between Afleck and Damon - my dad's family hails from Boston and Peabody and the yabbering between the two sounded just like many a Thanksgiving. Really fun, lightweight caper that gets a lot of its pleasure from the two bickering. Man, those two brought me back home.

Great supporting cast and enough unforeseen twists to make it quite original. Not really for the family audience as they use the f-word like a preposition; often and in nearly every sentence. Very, very Boston...tender ears and delicate sensibilities may be easily offended.

If you can turn your brain off and go along with the ride, then it's highly recommended!

Matt Damon plays the straight serious character here to foil Affleck's funny guy. The two are hired to complete a heist.

Mishaps follow with lots of humor. It was a fun filled adventure that ends well - don't forget to watch all the way to the end!

Damon plays the sad, divorced, PTSD-suffering dad who finds it hard to smile. His role is well done but is there to provide Affleck the humorous one liners.

The bad guy mayor is also well done and provides your typical corrupt politician to root against.

Affleck starts slow but becomes a favorite and grows on you as a character.

The therapist is a bit of ridiculousness that is a fun twist.

If you want a fun movie to enjoy a Saturday afternoon, and you like a bit of action, crashes, explosions, this is your movie.

One thing I love about modern day technology, is that films are a lot cheaper to make. No longer mega studios have to make a movie based on a formula to engage as many audience as possible .

You can tell that this movie is a passion project. Yes, it still follows some typical heist film formula, but we who love heist movies basically know how everyone of these movies end. Still, it has some twists and turns, and even a slightly unexpected ending.

The comedy isn't laugh out loud, but there is plenty to make you smile. While tile The Instigators, isn't some original breakthrough, but neither is any movie put out by mega budget films.

The Instigators, at least has plenty of new themes to offer, we don't get bogged down by some needless romantic subplot. And it's in the end a satire poking fun at other heist films, and yet retains the intensity of what one is to expect from a caper.

Enjoy!

Casey Affleck is probably the star of this one. Matt Damon, while I love him, quite honestly could've been played by just about anybody. His character was a pretty blank slate without much detail to fill him in. He does a fine job and embraces his Bostonian roots, but he's forgettable and flimsy. Casey's character does the heavy lifting with personality and delivery of lines.

The robberies gone wrong are goofy but entertaining. The characters they bring alone for the rides and the other side characters are fun as well.

Is this a groundbreaking, amazing movie? No, it is not. But it was entertaining and made me laugh out loud at times, and never felt like it drug on too long. It's a "no brainer" movie that's meant to do exactly what it does.

The Instigators

Basically a couple of morons and a botched robbery. The cast had some heavyweights and seemingly to get their monies worth we had an over-wordy script.

In terms of comedy it struggled, but as the movie progressed it grew on you.

Overall I enjoyed it and the action sequences really were quite a thrill, my personal favourite was the mayor's lawyer played by Toby Jones but Ron Perlman as the mayor was a magnificent grotesque of corruption.

The comic timing partially worked between the leads but for poor Matt Damon it didn't come naturally and seemed quite forced at times, whereas Casey Affleck has made a career of "odd-ball".

I'm giving this a firm 7 outta 10, well worth a watch but clearly a boys movie.

I wasn't expecting too much with The Instigators and it ended up being an enjoyable way to spend the evening. Damon and Affleck do a great job as a pair of knuckleheads basically screwing up time after time and still managing to keep it together until the end. There's plenty of action, a few good one-liners, and some decent performances, especially by Hong Chau as Damon's shrink. I was surprised by a lot of reviewers who commented on the number of f-bombs dropped in this movie, since swearing rarely phases me when I'm watching a film. Having said that, the f-bombs do get a little out of control at times, especially coming from Ron Perlman as the corrupt mayor. I don't think he delivered one line in the whole movie without swearing, which seemed almost bizarre. Anyway, I hope that doesn't spoil anyone's enjoyment of the movie, because it's still very entertaining and is just what you'd want and expect from a free streaming movie.

Greetings again from the darkness. Add this to the long list of films reminding us to temper our expectations and high hopes prior to viewing. Still, optimism seemed reasonable given an excellent director and strong cast. Director Doug Liman has delivered such entertaining films as SWINGERS (1996), THE BOURNE IDENTITY (2002), EDGE OF TOMORROW (2016), and this year's remake of ROAD HOUSE (2024). Matt Damon and Casey Affleck both have Oscars on their mantels, and Hong Chau has a recent Oscar nomination. To top it off, the supporting cast includes such favorites as Jack Harlow, Alfred Molina, Michael Stuhlbarg, Andre De Shields, Ron Perlman, Toby Jones, Ving Rhames, and Paul Walter Hauser. All the pieces were in place. So, where's the spark ... the pizzazz ... the fun?

The premise is promising enough. Former Marine Rory (Matt Damon) is a desperate man. He needs $32,480 to reboot his life - child support, alimony, mortgage, etc - so that he can reconnect with his son and watch him play hockey. When his therapist, Dr Donna Rivera (Hong Chau, THE WHALE, 2022) acknowledges his desperation, she asks, "Have you tried everything?" The next thing we know, somehow lowlife criminal Scalvo (Harlow) has teamed Rory with ex-con Cobby (Casey Affleck) for a job masterminded by Mr. Besegai (Stuhlbarg) and Mr. Dechico (Molina). The heist involves an election night fundraiser for corrupt incumbent Mayor Miccelli (Perlman) at the Boston Wharf. Along the way, we get a glimpse of Fenway Park, the famous Bobby Orr photograph, and a popular Patriot (the football kind).

Of course, the heist goes sideways ... or whatever is worse than sideways for criminal activity ... and an extended (i.e., entirely too long) car chase through downtown Boston plays out while Petula Clark croons "Downtown", and Dr. Rivera is taken as a volunteer hostage who continues to pass along advice to her patient. Now for this to work, the action needs to be thrilling and the wit amongst the three participants in the car needs to be crackling. Neither of these occur.

The script was co-written by Chuck MacLean ("City on a Hill") and co-star Casey Affleck, and it strives to be all things to all viewers ... crime-thriller, buddy comedy, and action flick. It's watchable, yet falls into that category we've come to dread: mostly forgettable. Even the 'Butch and Sundance' jokes fall flat. All of these talented folks will move along to their next projects, just as we will move along to the next movie. No harm/no foul.

Playing in select theaters and streaming on Apple TV+ beginning August 9, 2024.

The Instigators was a really fun movie that had me laughing through the majority of it. Even though Casey Affleck has won an Oscar for best actor, he's still one of the most underrated actors working today. I think most people know he's a great dramatic actor but he's also very funny. He was hilarious in this & has also been funny in movies like the Oceans trilogy, Good Will Hunting, etc. Then there's Matt Damon, do I really need to tell you how great of an actor he is? He's as A-list an actor as there is. The two of them together have great chemistry in this. I'm not saying it's the best movie of the summer but it's definitely a fun movie. I don't get some of these negative reviews, what were you expecting?

I'm a big fan of Doug Liman and the cast was fairly decent with Matt Damon and Casey Affleck. Obviously it would've been better if Ben Affleck was also playing against his buddy, but this film is a twisted fun comedy

Watch it knowing that this is no masterpiece of a screenplay, but if you're looking for a dumb and dumber type heist film that is pleasant entertainment and keeps on moving at a steady pace making you wonder what next stupid move these two pair of idiots will venture into then it is great popcorn movie.

The script is very simple and shallow and there isn't much backstory that makes sense but it doesn't really matter as it's just a buddy film and it's probably sad to write that this is better than most of the junk out there so I'm glad that Apple TV is behind it. BRing more comedies ...

7 stars for the cast and love seeing the Boston location.

It starts of well, the first 15 - 30 mins quite enjoyable, but then just dwindles into pointless boredom.... really not an engaging film, I cant even be bothered to say much more than this. Its so dull, it doesnt even deserve much of a review, ... I was very disappointed. It fails to make you care for any of the characters, the plots is daft ... only watch if you are a hardcore fan of Damon or you are really very very bored.

There is zero comedy, the acting is ok, but the film doesn't really require any serious level of acting, I gave it a four out out of ten and to be honest, that's a little generous... I regret watching this movie to the end hoping it would get better, its one of those films.

There isn't too much to say about this one, so I won't go on too much. I think theres a lot to like and not much that you won't, though in fairness its certainly no blockbuster. Most of the good bits are given away in the trailer and said trailer unfortunately paints a picture of a movie far funnier than it actually is, but then trailers do tend to exaggerate don't they.

The film is more humerous than funny. I did get a couple of laugh out loud moments, but only a couple. Most were moments that made me chuckle and appreciate the humour but not really laugh. There is good chemistry between the accomplished cast which works very well, and though I'd not say there were any stellar performances, the whole cast handled their roles competently. I think there really needed to be more for the cast to work with to give this one the 'Umph' it needed to raise the bar. Its ok but, for film that promises so much with such an accomplised cast, it needed a lot more.

Its a heist film of course, and it is very much like 'Tower Heist' which also features Casey Affleck as well as Ben Stiller, Eddy Murphy, Matthew Broderick, and Alan Alder.

The instigators takes a similarly light-hearted approach to the genre though, the back story is s little more sinsiter with Damon and Afflecks backstory being somewhat more grim. Still, this movie doesn't deliver or fulfill in the way Tower Heist does, and I think that may be because Affleck is really the only character with lines good enough to deliver the humerous aspect with any merit. The stoicism of Damons character does parry well with Affleck's but something is missing to completely deliver the experience I think they production is going for. I think the script probably needed a re-write, possibly with a fresh set of eyes to enhance the ideas on offer.

The screen play is decent, nothing too complicated, and for the most part it works quite well. The meat of this movie is really coming from the characters and just falls a little short, even outside the humour.

I will also say that I think the direction may have been a contributing factor to how this one played out negatively. The minimalist manner that seems to underscore much of the lines lacks the emphasis that was often needed... but thats just my opinion.

Ok I said I wasn't going to go on and I've already done so more than intended. In a nutshell the film underdelivers, but is still a decent watch... which kinda goes to show what could have been, which is even more unfortunate.

6/10 from me.

The number of stars in this romp is pretty impressive. Chau, Perlman, Molina, Afleck, Damon and a very capable supporting cast. So lines are delivered well, character interactions are amusing and the charisma of the stars carries several scenes that wouldn't work without them. Ultimately it's dragged down by the preposterousness of events that keep stacking up until the end.

It's basically character driven, and in that light it's fun. But that plot...wow...it stretches past the breaking point more than once.

On the other hand, Afleck and Damon are very funny as they play off each other's inanity and cluelessness.

I watched through to the end, laughed out loud a half dozen times and wasn't mad that I watched it.

This movie is not to be taken too seriously.

U can enjoy it while doing some other stuff, The comedy is not very loud but it's there to just make you chuckle a little, The story is tho not very deep or very well explained, also the motivation for the characters to move forward felt lacking.

The characters felt like idiots, but not just some, all of them 😂, it's like the movie is set in a world where every one is an idiot, The lack of a romantic touch is good in this kind of movie as it would only feel awkward or forced in these kind of situations.

I myself felt satisfied with this ending.

😂

This flick is destined to be a classic cromedy (to coin a phrase). It has all the elements that made Beverly Hills Cop, Bad Boys, Rush Hour, Jump Street, Lethal Weapon etc. In other words, commercially successful. Maybe no Oscars forthcoming, but it's a lot of phun and date night appropriate for married couples.

Teaming up Casey Afleck with Matt Damon was definitely a smart move. This despite initially trying to figure out if Damon's character, Rory was an idiot savant or just plain intellectually challenged. They play off each other's character well. But not so well as to appear formulaic. It's probably not worth trying to (overly) analyze the characters' motivations and personalities. The writers weren't trying to create The Grapes of Wrath Part 2. Nevertheless, it's worth the watch and then you can go to bed without fear of nightmares.

Comedy starring Casey Affleck and Matt Damon as amateur thieves bought together to pull off a heist of cash on mayoral election night that inevitably goes badly wrong. They do however acquire a gold bracelet belonging to totally corrupt ousted mayor Ron Perlman which he is desperate to get back as it has something to do with exposing his fraudulent crimes.

Buddy heist movie relying on dry witty humour and an enjoyable double act in Affleck and Damon who both wander through the impossible position they're in half asleep and totally bewildered. Affleck tends to deliver most of the funny lines but he is easily matched by Damon as a chilled and hugely charming idiot. They are nicely supported by a great cast including Perlman, Michael Schubert, Alfred Molina, the great as always Toby Jones and particular Hong Chau as their hostage and psychiatrist.

This isn't Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and occasionally it seems a bit lost and goes off the boil, but overall a huge amount to enjoy and a strong buddy film. My favourite scene - a terrific car chase delivered with the lively tones of Petula Clark singing 'Downtown'.

Matt Damon & Casey Affleck pull off some great dialog between the 2 of them in their unlikely duo throughout the movie, with the addition of Hong Chau later on this makes for an enjoyable watch of likeable characters.

This movie is a great couch & popcorn evening, it is by no means a classic, it lacks intensity and any build up for twists and turns in the plot for a thriller, but it's a solid easy watch movie with some dry humour and is delivered well.

Doug Liman has done well with his choice of actors, storyline & Dialogue as always and hasn't tried to make the film anything that it isn't, an easy watch, light and enjoyable movie.

Both Casey Affleck and Matt Damon starred in Oceans Eleven (2001) so it's no surprise they both collaborate in this similar updated version.

Like the aforementioned fipm it's an enjoyable time killer with colourful characters, zany action scenes,underwritten female roles and a hairbrained plot.

The ever reliable Ron Perlman enjoys himself as the brusque major but poor Toby Jones has nothing to do as his P. A. It has zip,pace and colour and I laughed several times at the one liners,felt they both had some chemistry together but whilst writing this review, I'm wracking my brains trying to remember this film!

I am going to struggle here to find enough words to fill this review, when really all that is needed is the title I already typed: Dreadful.

It really is hard to think of any redeeming qualities for this film. It is not original, interesting, exciting or funny. I gave it a score of 2 because the soundtrack contained a couple of great tracks by Petula Clark and Thunderclap Newman. But kudos for those go to the Brits more than fifty years ago, and not to anyone involved in this piece of bland, beige celluloid in 2024.

Not so long ago this is the kind of movie that would have gone straight to video, and been forgotten. I actually watched it only half an hour ago and am already struggling to remember anything about it. Except for one thing: the end credits. Given how poor this movie is, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the credits would be a handful of people and some computers, but the credits list, literallly, hundreds. That's an awful lot of people who will struggle to justify why this dismal effort is on their resumes.

This was funny, clever, unique, had great dialogue, sympathetic characters and overall very entertaining! I'm glad I ignored the negative reviews because I really enjoyed this. Affleck and Damon have good chemistry, they are believable as buddies. I thought the script was quite fun and delivered nicely. The secondary characters were subtly effective and well acted. Though it was highly improbable and far fetched in places, the twists made it fun. Even the vehicle chases were exciting. A certain degree of justice was provided especially for the guys walking in the woods in Canada without boots.

The start of the movie reminded me of the typical therapist cliché where therapy is just someone asking, "So what happened next? How did that make you feel? Feel your feelings." However, there was a scene where the therapist showed she's more than just that.

I got really excited when I saw Michael Stuhlbarg. He always excels in gangster roles, whether it's a darker, serious character like in "Your Honor" or a more comedic setting like this movie. The humor was unexpected; I thought it would be purely an action film. It's funny in that way where seriousness becomes humorous, like Vince Staples in some interviews. I loved how the car chase songs were the actual song playing on the radio. There were plenty of genuine laughs from jokes and interactions, but one of the biggest laughs for me was simply the camera panning to Toby Jones on the couch.

The story wasn't groundbreaking, but it was well-executed. It's a buddy movie centered around a naive ex-Marine and a cynical ex-con, both used to great comedic effect. The character interactions were perfect, and everyone's performance was great. Though you don't see much of the more recognizable supporting cast, they did well.

Some characters were over the top, but not excessively so. This is probably the funniest movie I've seen all year. It doesn't reinvent the wheel for heist, action, comedy, or buddy movies, but it's pure fun and entertainment. It's a comedy you can enjoy without overthinking, as it's not bogged down by a complex plot or dramatic storyline. There's a little of each, but just enough to maintain its comedic essence. It reminded me of "The Other Guys", probably because I watched that last week.

The movie has post-credit scenes. When I left the theater, it felt like the best movie I'd seen all year, until I remembered stuff like "Dune" also came out this year. I think it's been a pretty good year for action movies. It's a simple, fun movie-nothing over the top, but thoroughly enjoyable with lots of laughs from the audience.

It's puzzling to see some call it lousy and uninspired humor, while everyone in my theater seemed to enjoy it. Humor is subjective, I suppose. I remember how people described Wes Anderson's "Asteroid City" as hilarious and intellectual, yet no one at my screening of that laughed once. It's strange how a movie can be deemed funny without eliciting any laughter in the theater, and vice versa. It makes me think of how critics are often said to not enjoy fun movies. I don't see myself as that, even though I write reviews. I'm always conscious of that, I never want to lose the ability to enjoy a movie like this. This is nothing groundbreaking but it was pretty fun.

Matt phoned this in, Wasted my time watching it. Think Casey did a fair job with the limited material. It was fairly boring. Who ever wrote this musta been depressed. Felt bad for Ving he could have done lots more he lifted it up. Other characters were boring. The police chase was ok but short. Felt there was little tension with the police nor any "adversary" threat. This was Liman's bad movie. No way in hell was this ever gonna be released in theaters as it would hae bombed. It was a Apple fill movie. Pitiful. If Matt/Ben's movie company is making these stinkers it won't last very long. Bah, skip.