Ben Affleck and Matt Damon star in a high-octane, R-rated thriller on Netflix that pays homage to the big-screen action flicks of yesteryear. The film, titled 'The Rip', follows two Miami officers as they uncover a hidden stash of $20 million in a suburban home, prompting a tense game of cat and mouse over who can be trusted with the prize.
As expected from the pairing of two Oscar-winning actors at their peak, there's undeniable chemistry between Affleck and Damon as they take on lead roles that would typically go to action heroes like Gerard Butler or Jason Statham. They bring an air of gravitas to their characters' backstories, grounding the film in drama, even if some of their signature 'bro-y' theatrics feel slightly forced.
Supporting the duo are a talented cast, with notable turns from Teyana Taylor, Steven Yeun, and Catalina Sandino Moreno. While the women's roles are somewhat one-dimensional, they bring much-needed tension to an otherwise action-packed narrative that leans heavily on the leads.
Director Joe Carnahan is in his element here, delivering a film that feels like a love letter to '80s and '90s action cinema. The pacing is relentless, with a series of high-stakes set pieces that are both thrilling and occasionally crass. While the mystery at its core never quite lives up to its promise, Carnahan's expertise in doling out pulpy thrills shines through.
The Rip feels like a product of its time – a film that prioritizes spectacle over substance, with an emphasis on 'four-beers-in' entertainment rather than lasting cinematic impact. It won't be for everyone, but fans of the genre will find plenty to enjoy in this propulsive, if forgettable, thrill ride.
Ultimately, The Rip is a Netflix original that feels like it was made for this particular moment – when prestige films have all but disappeared from theaters and audiences are left with an appetite for something big-screen. With its A-list cast and Carnahan's direction, it's no surprise the film has been greenlit, even if it won't be remembered come next awards season.
As expected from the pairing of two Oscar-winning actors at their peak, there's undeniable chemistry between Affleck and Damon as they take on lead roles that would typically go to action heroes like Gerard Butler or Jason Statham. They bring an air of gravitas to their characters' backstories, grounding the film in drama, even if some of their signature 'bro-y' theatrics feel slightly forced.
Supporting the duo are a talented cast, with notable turns from Teyana Taylor, Steven Yeun, and Catalina Sandino Moreno. While the women's roles are somewhat one-dimensional, they bring much-needed tension to an otherwise action-packed narrative that leans heavily on the leads.
Director Joe Carnahan is in his element here, delivering a film that feels like a love letter to '80s and '90s action cinema. The pacing is relentless, with a series of high-stakes set pieces that are both thrilling and occasionally crass. While the mystery at its core never quite lives up to its promise, Carnahan's expertise in doling out pulpy thrills shines through.
The Rip feels like a product of its time – a film that prioritizes spectacle over substance, with an emphasis on 'four-beers-in' entertainment rather than lasting cinematic impact. It won't be for everyone, but fans of the genre will find plenty to enjoy in this propulsive, if forgettable, thrill ride.
Ultimately, The Rip is a Netflix original that feels like it was made for this particular moment – when prestige films have all but disappeared from theaters and audiences are left with an appetite for something big-screen. With its A-list cast and Carnahan's direction, it's no surprise the film has been greenlit, even if it won't be remembered come next awards season.