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Writer's pictureDan Brooks

"The Instigators (2024): Two Robbers, One Therapist, and a Plot Twist You Could See from Space"

Follows two robbers who must go on the run with the help of one of their therapists after a theft doesn't go as planned.




Alright folks, buckle up, because today we're diving into The Instigators. A movie that reunites Matt Damon and Casey Affleck, and tosses in Hong Chau just for good measure—because why not have a three-piece combo of talent while we're at it?


The Instigators is basically what happens when two robbers go full "Bonnie and Clyde," but decide to bring their therapist along for the ride. You know, like a group therapy session that starts with, “How does robbing this bank make you feel?” and ends with, “How do we outrun the cops?” A premise that feels like the cinematic equivalent of a choose-your-own-adventure book that only has one option: “Run for your life.”


What I Liked:

First off, the banter between Damon and Affleck? Chef’s kiss. These guys have been trading quips since the 90s, and they’ve still got it. Watching them argue over who left the loot in the getaway car is like watching your two uncles squabble over who forgot the beer cooler on a fishing trip. They’ve got that natural chemistry, the kind where you know they've probably pulled pranks on each other that would make Ashton Kutcher weep with envy.


And speaking of nostalgia, there’s something oddly comforting about seeing Damon and Affleck back in action. It’s like comfort food for your soul—or at least the part of your soul that grew up watching Good Will Hunting and wondering if “How do you like them apples?” would work as a pickup line. Hint: It doesn’t. Trust me.


Plus, I’d be lying if I said there weren’t some pretty decent action scenes sprinkled throughout. Sure, they’re not exactly John Wick levels of choreography, but they’re certainly better than watching a drunken buddy try to pull off a roundhouse kick at Thanksgiving dinner. We get some fun chases, a few shootouts, and enough tension to keep you from nodding off entirely.


What I Disliked:

Now, let’s talk about the plot. Or, as I like to call it, “The Predictable Plot Parade.” You know those movies where you can guess the twist from the trailer alone? Yeah, this is one of those. The story is as easy to dissect as a middle school frog experiment. Every twist feels like it was written in neon letters with an arrow pointing right at it, just in case you missed the subtle hint that, “Hey, this guy might betray them!” Oh, really? Thanks for the heads-up, Captain Obvious.


The movie also takes a bit of time to find its footing. It starts slower than a tortoise on tranquilizers, but picks up speed after a spell. Kind of like me after my third can of of Jolt cola—once I’ve reached the “shaky hands” stage, we’re all systems go. If you can endure the sluggish beginning, you’ll be rewarded with some genuine moments of humor and charm. But honestly, getting there feels like waiting for your Wi-Fi to buffer while trying to stream a cat video—it’s maddeningly slow at first, but you stick with it because you know the payoff might be worth it.


The Reunion: Doug Liman and Matt Damon

Now, here’s a fun tidbit: The Instigators marks the reunion of director Doug Liman and Matt Damon after a whopping 22 years since The Bourne Identity (2002). That’s right, folks—Damon and Liman are back together like an old rock band on a reunion tour. And just like those bands, you can tell they’ve still got the magic touch, but maybe a little bit of that youthful spark has dimmed. Still, it’s good to see them back in action, trying to recapture the glory days when shaky cam and amnesia were the coolest things in town.


And let’s not forget that Damon and Affleck have a history that rivals that of Ross and Rachel, but with more shared screen time and fewer awkward breakups. They’ve been through a lot together: Chasing Amy (1997), Good Will Hunting (1997), Ocean's Eleven (2001), Gerry (2002)—a film so slow it makes The Instigators look like Mad Max: Fury Road—and many more. Damon and Affleck are Hollywood’s answer to peanut butter and jelly, and it’s always nice to see them paired up again, especially when they’re dragging a therapist along for the ride.


Oscar-Level Talent on Display

We’ve got two Oscar winners here, folks. Casey Affleck, who you might remember from Manchester by the Sea (2016), where he perfected the art of looking sadder than a dog in a sweater, and Matt Damon, who’s got his own little golden man for Good Will Hunting. And let’s not forget Hong Chau, an Oscar nominee, who proves she can go toe-to-toe with the boys in terms of charisma and depth. It’s a solid cast, and they do their best to elevate what is, at its core, a fairly straightforward script.


Final Verdict:

Look, I’ll give The Instigators a respectable 6.9 out of 10. It’s like that one friend who always shows up late to the party, but brings decent wine. You’re not mad, but you’re not exactly singing its praises either. It's fun in parts, tedious in others, and about as predictable as a Marvel post-credits scene. Still, if you’re a fan of Damon and Affleck’s repartee or just enjoy a bit of action sprinkled with therapy-session-level dialogue, it’s worth a watch.


Until next time, keep watching and keep wondering what Dan is watching!



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