The Instigators

Ein absurd gut besetzter Film, der Lethargie in seine DNA eingeschrieben hat. Er arbeitet mit ihr konsequent schon deshalb, weil es ein Heist-Film mit einem Duo konsequent dissoziierter Loser ist – beide geraten in eine absurd eskalierte Situation, aber einen interessiert es nicht besonders, weil er ein schwer phlegmatischer Alkoholiker ist, den anderen deshalb, weil er unter einer Form von Autismus leidet. Vor allem Casey Affleck genießt seinen besoffenen Typen aus Boston und hilft dem Film sehr dabei, über Wasser zu bleiben. Bei etwas besserem Schreiben und einer besseren Regie bestand das Potenzial für eine schwarze Coen-Komödie oder für einen Outsider-Blues im Stil von Logan Lucky. Doug Liman wirkt jedoch ähnlich resigniert wie seine Figuren, das Ergebnis ist also ein mittelmäßig verdaulicher, leerer Streaming-Film, den man sich nicht merken wird. (23.08.2024)

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. (11.08.2024)

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 :( (18.08.2024)