Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Post Strike Cinema 24' - The Instigators

The Instigators is coming to Apple TV+ this Friday. I was lucky enough to see it at Paddington Town Hall last night. Honestly not the world's biggest Matt Damon fan, but I went in with no prior judgements.

The last time Damon teamed up with Hong Chau, it was one of the worst films I'd ever seen, Downsizing. However let's not dwell on that.

Alongside Damon and Chau, Casey Affleck, Michael Stuhlbarg, Paul Walter Hauser, Ving Rhames, Alfred Molina, Toby Jones, Jack Harlow, & Ron Perlman all star. Yes VMA nominated Jack Harlow! And he is actually decent in this role.

Affleck & Damon also produce the film alongside Ben Affleck under their production company Artists Equity.

Getting a limited theatrical release in the United States, what is The Instigators all about? Check out the trailer and info, plus my rating below.


A botched robbery causes two thieves (Affleck & Damon) to go on the run, dragging along one of their therapists (Chau) in the process. Sounds random? Well it kind of is, however with car chases, corrupt Mayors and Chau with quick wit as therapist Dr. Donna Rivera, there is a lot going on in The Instigators.

The pacing in the film is fast, almost breakneck. We get the heist info, then team ensembles, then like that, it's on.

From there Affleck & Damon cause car chases, explosions and get to a massive ass safe. After an earlier false alarm.

The Instigators will not get any nominations for any awards (despite getting its limited cinema run) however this was actually a little more fun than Deadpool Vs Wolverine. Honestly.

Apple TV+ has honestly been serving up the content lately. Bad Monkey commences this month, The Lady in the Lake will conclude and Shrinking returns next month. Season one was honestly one of the best TV comedies in years!

While The Lady in the Lake is random AF (much like Sugar) Apple TV+ are definitely making a streaming service worth subscribing to.

The Instigators gets a solid 3 stars.

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