Written in 2010.

In his third film-writing venture, Ben Affleck takes on federal crimes in Charlestown with the drama, “The Town”. Although Boston may not actually be “the bank robbery capital of America”, director Affleck creates a fascinating and seedy underbelly for the town.

Based on Chuck Hogan’s book “Prince of Thieves”, the two-hour film tells the troubled tale of bank robbers Doug MacRay (Affleck), the mastermind, and his out-of-control but loyal friend, James Coughlin (Jeremy Renner). Their lives are only made more complicated by the women, Claire Keesey (Rebecca Hall) and Krista Coughlin (Blake Lively). Jon Hamm plays FBI Special Agent Adam Frawley, a man who seems to have a severe vendetta against the robbers.

Affleck balances the cunning, cutthroat quality of a bank robber with the gentle nature that slowly reveals itself throughout the film. As calm MacRay, Affleck plays a man who is facing a challenging decision: staying faithful to a life of corruption or making an admirable change with an innocent woman. Renner powerfully portrays Coughlin, MacRay’s unstable friend who is quick to choose violence over rationality.

Hall and Lively play their supporting roles with well-developed skills that make the characters matter in the precise way they should. Hall provides a striking contrast to MacRay’s hardened life in her role as Claire Keesey, a woman who is both a victim and savior of his life. In the film, Blake Lively became Krista Coughlin, the downtrodden, drug-abusing sister of James. Used mainly as a pawn in everyone else’s schemes, Lively’s character is a unique facet in each of their lives. Claire and Krista personify the contrast between the lifestyles MacRay is debating, and while he pushes himself into Claire’s, Krista pulls him back into hers.

Decked out in elaborate costumes, the characters put their meticulous plans into action. The fast-paced heists are interrupted by subtle, even tender, moments. The slow-to-unravel plot works its way through moments of thrill, romance and grief.  Its unrushed nature makes for a worthwhile, albeit impatient, viewing. The ending fits sweetly with the story, but is hurried compared to the rest of the film.

The lighting and cinematography emphasize the two sides of the plot marvelously, with a dark, gloomy,—almost dirty—appearance and powerful angles, contrasted with brightly lit, uncomplicated shots.

Smart, strong dialogue mixes with the well-developed characters to form a realistic representation of what life would be like for these bank robbers. This is not a film that produces an easy out or simple conclusion for the characters. Consequences, both expected and unexpected, are prominent factors in “The Town”.

This film has its own special way of sharing an account of criminal behavior intertwined with loyalty and trickery. Affleck guides this film to success with his expert acting, exceptional directing and excellent adaptation of Hogan’s novel. Renner, Lively and Hall strengthen the film even more by taking great care to bring life to each of their characters. It is of great fortune to “The Town” that these supporting roles did not fade into the background.