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Published 14:45 9 Aug 2024 BST
Updated 14:46 9 Aug 2024 BST

Apple TV+ has just added to its service The Instigators, a new heist comedy movie starring Ocean's Eleven cast mates and Oscar-winners Casey Affleck (Manchester by the Sea) and Matt Damon (Good Will Hunting).
The film sees the pair play reluctant partners, one a desperate father (Damon) and the other an ex-con (Affleck, who also co-wrote the script), who are thrown together to pull off a robbery of the ill-gained earnings of a corrupt politician.
"But when the heist goes wrong, the two find themselves engulfed in a whirlwind of chaos, pursued not only by police, but also backwards bureaucrats and vengeful crime bosses," the plot synopsis reads.
"Completely out of their depth, they convince Rory’s therapist (Oscar-nominee Hong Chau, The Whale) to join their riotous getaway through the city, where they must put aside their differences and work together to evade capture—or worse."
Directed by Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity, Edge of Tomorrow, this year's Road House), The Instigators also stars Alfred Molina (Boogie Nights), Jack Harlow (White Men Can't Jump), Michael Stuhlbarg (Boardwalk Empire), Paul Walter Hauser (Black Bird), Ron Perlman (Hellboy), Toby Jones (Captain America) and Ving Rhames (Pulp Fiction).
And though the movie has received mixed reviews overall from critics - with several complaining of a lack of pace and tension - it has also some earned praise for its old-school caper story and for Affleck and Damon's chemistry together.
You can read a sample of some of the positive reviews for The Instigators right here:
Consequence: "While the stakes are real as Rory and Cobby (Damon and Affleck) bumble their way through the film, the tone remains light — a tricky balance to pull off, but largely successful here."
Empire: "The Instigators isn’t exactly revolutionary, but is a good time regardless: an easygoing crime caper offering an excellent cast a fun sandpit in which to snipe at each other."
Rolling Stone: "No one does these kinds of films anymore. It’s scratching a much-needed niche itch."
Slant Magazine: "Like a well-executed heist, the film knows how to get in and get out with minimal fuss."
The Instigators is streaming on Apple TV+ now.
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