The Instigators [2024] – Matt Damon, Casey Affleck, Jack Harlow on AppleTV+

The Instigators doesn’t take itself seriously, and that is its main issue. It’s a slow action-comedy movie that doesn’t go far enough to make itself interesting.

Starring Matt Damon & Casey Affleck, the movie attempts to recreate the magic of Mr & Mrs Smith, as well as some Fast & Furious scenes. However, it’s doesn’t go far enough to make the action worth it, or the comedy.

A recipe like this should be pulpy fun powered by car chases and zippy repartee. Certainly, all the ingredients are here for a fun night in, from the absolutely killer cast to the familiar Damon/Affleck stomping grounds of Boston. But nothing quite clicks in this tale of charming low-life thieves. The Instigators is a dispiriting and predictable drag of a movie.

Let me make it clear. The Instigators isn’t that bad, but it’s lazy, low-stakes stuff. Usually, that’s not a bad thing. However, when you market the film as a creation from the minds of “Mr & Mrs Smith”, you’re raising the expectations from the viewers. You better deliver.

Did I enjoy watching? Mostly. Did I expect something better? Definitely. Would I watch it again? Probably not.

Should You Watch It?

The film is presented as a low-stakes comic action thriller, but what begins as a charmingly shabby lark quickly runs out of steam, and the chirp-chirp patter between Damon and Affleck goes limp.

Where Can I Watch It?

You can stream The Instigators exclusively on AppleTV+.