2017 is officially here, and eyes are focused towards what new things the new year will bring - especially in the realm of entertainment and popculture. In the case of Hollywood cinema, January brings up a number of big film choices that will garner the attention of movie buffs plus those who enjoy quality and attention to detaul. Warner Bros. serves that up with the latest offering by superstar actor and director Ben Affleck - who's accolades include directing the crime drama hit "The Town" and the historical drama "Argo" - which won three Academy Awards including "Best Picture". In addition to directing and starring in these, Affleck is also the current actor to play Bruce Wayne/ Batman in Warner Bros. and DC Films' "DC Extended Universe" - debuting in last year's "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" and is set to reprise the role in this year's "Justice League".
After going through a lengthy and delayed process in production, Affleck's latest project "Live By Night" is finally out in theaters. Set during the 1920's Prohibition era, the film features an endemble cast that includes Affleck in the lead, as well as supporting roles played by Brendan Gleeson, Sienna Miller, Elle Fanning, Zoe Saldana, Chris Missina, and Chris Cooper. Opening this week courtesy of Warner Bros. Philippines, I got to see a preview of the movie and it is the kind of film that appeals to those who enjoy gangster and period films set in times of old filled with dreams and consequences. Here's my review of the film.
Based on 2012 novel of the same name by Dennis Lehane, Live By Night follows the life of Joe Coughlin, an Irish American who returns to his hometown of Boston after serving in World War I and becomes a criminal and falls for the mistress of a powerful Irish crime boss. After falling from grace and seeking vengeance, Joe's journey takes him to Tampa, Florida where he gets involved in the bootlegging and gangster business - living the American Dream yet gaining powerful enemies at the same time. It is a journey that leads Joe to newfound love, gains, and opportunities... But also opens the doors to retribution, bloodshed, and the consequences of his actions.
As a period piece film that fills itself with all the kinds of allure and vices expected of the 1920's and 30's, "Live By Night" is certainly a project deserving of the kind of caliber Ben Affleck can deliver based on his vast experience as an actor and director. The man does not fail to scrimp on his production values, and it shows with how the final product turned out - despite facing some delays in production due to the filmmakers other commitments and projects. The movie is reminiscent of films such "The Godfather", "The Untouchables", and "Gangster Squad" - all movies deal with hitmen, crime, and all the drama that comes along with it. Affleck's role as Joe Coughlin is the typical guy who is ambitious and works his way to the top, only to stumble and find his wrongdoings coming back to haunt him. Supporting roles by Brendan Gleeson as his police captain father and Chris Messina as his buddy and partner Dion serve as the character's moral compass, while Robert Glenister and Remo Girone play the antagonists in crime bosses Albert White and Maso Pescatore - that continue to play the game of chess that Joe has to navigate and outsmart throughout the fikm.
Of course, it's Joe's relationship with women in the movie that define his journey and growth from small time criminal to the bootlegger and gangster he becomes in Tampa. It all started with his fling with Sienna Miller's character Emma Gould, which would then transition to his lasting relationship with Zoe Saldana's character of Graciella Corrales. That, along with Elle Fanning's role as Loretta Figgis leave a lasting impression on Joe and define his actions throughout the film.
Overall "Live By Night" doesn't stand out as a unique gangster film - but it certainly touches on all the themes and consequences of getting caught up in the criminal underworld and giving in to the allure of vices and lust crime and love give for all the wrong reasons. It's a movie that definitely shows Affleck can make great quality films, and despite it being a niche kind of genre for certain audiences it does entertain and bring some lessons to ponder on - "Sleep By Day, Live By Night" and "Sins Come Back To Haunt You".
Rating - 4/5
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