Apple TV+’s The Instigators: A Fun Yet Forgettable Action Comedy

1–2 minutes

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Apple TV+’s The Instigators featuring a star-studded cast including Matt Damon, Casey Affleck, Ron Perlman, and Jack Harlow is now available to stream. The film revolves around two robbers, played by Damon and Affleck, who find themselves in deep trouble after a heist goes awry. While the storyline isn’t particularly original, relying heavily on familiar tropes, the execution manages to shine in several areas.

The plot of The Instigators is fairly predictable, which might be expected given the high-profile names involved. Without the likes of Damon and Affleck, the film could easily fade into obscurity. However, the movie does get a few things right, particularly in terms of casting and humour. Damon and Affleck, as a duo, bring a certain charm and chemistry that elevates the otherwise mediocre script and storyline. Their performances inject a subtle and effective comedy that works quite well.

Doug Liman, known for his work on Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2005), The Bourne Identity, Edge of Tomorrow, and more recently, Amazon Prime’s Road House remake starring Jake Gyllenhaal, directs The Instigators. With Liman at the helm, audiences can expect some impressive action sequences, and the film delivers on this front. The action set pieces are well-crafted and add a layer of excitement to the movie, showcasing Liman’s knack for dynamic and engaging scenes.

Despite these strengths, The Instigators ultimately remains a typical action-comedy. The film leans heavily on its big-name cast to carry it through, and while they do a commendable job, the overall impact is somewhat fleeting. The movie is entertaining while it lasts, but is unlikely to leave a lasting mark in the realm of action comedies.

P.S. My Letterboxd handle is @BhumikGrover.


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