Ben Affleck and Matt Damon's latest team-up, The Rip, is a self-aware throwback to the action-packed thrillers of yesteryear. Released exclusively on Netflix, this slickly produced film stars the Oscar-winning duo as two seasoned cops tasked with transporting a mysterious sum stashed in a suburban home.
In an era where big-budget blockbusters dominate multiplexes, it's striking to see two A-list stars team up for a high-octane heist flick. The script, penned by TV writer Michael McGrale and director Joe Carnahan, is essentially a vehicle for Affleck and Damon to shine in roles that would typically be relegated to lesser actors.
The Rip has all the hallmarks of a classic action movie – the wisecracking banter, the high-stakes heist, the high-speed chases. But beneath its glossy surface lies a somewhat shallow narrative, with characters feeling more like archetypes than fully fleshed-out human beings. The female leads, while possessing enough tenacity to hold their own against the boys, are unfortunately relegated to the sidelines.
Carnahan's direction is his usual brand of brash and confident, drawing inspiration from the likes of Quentin Tarantino and Brian De Palma. While the film's pacing can be frenetic at times, the director's passion project feels more like a mid-budget blockbuster than a Netflix Original. The result is a movie that's best enjoyed in short, snappy doses – perfect for a Friday night viewing session.
Ultimately, The Rip is a product of its time and place, designed to tick all the boxes for a big-screen action flick but ultimately feeling constrained by its small screen limitations. With an eye-watering budget of close to $100m, it's hard not to feel that this film could have benefited from a more substantial canvas. Nevertheless, fans of the Affleck-Damon duo will find plenty to enjoy in this high-energy thrill ride, even if it doesn't quite live up to its full potential.
Despite some misgivings about its narrative and character development, The Rip is an enjoyable, if forgettable, piece of boisterous macho pulp. With a talented supporting cast and the undeniable chemistry between Affleck and Damon, this Netflix exclusive is sure to provide plenty of thrills for fans of action-packed entertainment.
In an era where big-budget blockbusters dominate multiplexes, it's striking to see two A-list stars team up for a high-octane heist flick. The script, penned by TV writer Michael McGrale and director Joe Carnahan, is essentially a vehicle for Affleck and Damon to shine in roles that would typically be relegated to lesser actors.
The Rip has all the hallmarks of a classic action movie – the wisecracking banter, the high-stakes heist, the high-speed chases. But beneath its glossy surface lies a somewhat shallow narrative, with characters feeling more like archetypes than fully fleshed-out human beings. The female leads, while possessing enough tenacity to hold their own against the boys, are unfortunately relegated to the sidelines.
Carnahan's direction is his usual brand of brash and confident, drawing inspiration from the likes of Quentin Tarantino and Brian De Palma. While the film's pacing can be frenetic at times, the director's passion project feels more like a mid-budget blockbuster than a Netflix Original. The result is a movie that's best enjoyed in short, snappy doses – perfect for a Friday night viewing session.
Ultimately, The Rip is a product of its time and place, designed to tick all the boxes for a big-screen action flick but ultimately feeling constrained by its small screen limitations. With an eye-watering budget of close to $100m, it's hard not to feel that this film could have benefited from a more substantial canvas. Nevertheless, fans of the Affleck-Damon duo will find plenty to enjoy in this high-energy thrill ride, even if it doesn't quite live up to its full potential.
Despite some misgivings about its narrative and character development, The Rip is an enjoyable, if forgettable, piece of boisterous macho pulp. With a talented supporting cast and the undeniable chemistry between Affleck and Damon, this Netflix exclusive is sure to provide plenty of thrills for fans of action-packed entertainment.