THE STORY – A group of Miami cops discovers a stash of millions in cash, leading to distrust as outsiders learn about the huge seizure, making them question who to rely on.
THE CAST – Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor
Sasha Calle, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Scott Adkins & Kyle Chandler
THE TEAM – Joe Carnahan (Director/Writer)
THE RUNNING TIME – 112 Minutes
Look, it’s understandable why someone would be apprehensive about starting up the new Netflix action film “The Rip.” The last time Matt Damon and an Affleck brother linked up, it resulted in an underwhelming heist comedy that makes one wonder whether the entire streaming endeavor was ultimately a mistake. It’s almost as if Damon lit the bat-signal to call his longtime friend and frequent collaborator Ben Affleck back to reunite for their Hollywood-mandated group project; luckily for us, at least we have a feature this time, not another Dunkin’ Donuts advertisement. That’s not to say “The Rip” is some shining beacon in the history of their shared careers, but it’s amusing to see that, in an era when the movie star as we know it is on the decline, their presence alone as a duo makes it mandatory viewing.
“The Rip” is the embodiment of the kind of Q1 streaming action feature we, as audiences, should be bombarded with this time of year. Is it amazing? Well, not necessarily. It has all the trademarks of the films that filmmaker Joe Carnahan has spent most of his career working on, both as a screenwriter and director. Those 2000’s studio shoot-’em-up tentpoles, ranging from his first collaboration with Afllfeck in “Smokin’ Aces” to amusing IP reinventions like “The A-Team.” Here, “The Rip” is precisely what it presents itself to be and nothing more. Carnahan doesn’t have time to waste posturing as if this is the next redefining film in the genre. It’s dudes being bros, getting into hot water, which in this case means having to shoot their way out of tense situations.
The premise for “The Rip” is quite simple (and supposedly based on real events), as a Miami Task force is reeling in the wake of their police captain being gunned down by two masked assailants. Some, like the newly promoted Lieutenant Dane Dumars, played by Damon, are concerned that it will never be solved, especially given the former Captain’s association with investigating a string of cartel-affiliated stash houses. Dane’s one foot out of the door personality, of course, pairs well with his team mate, Detective Sergeant JD Byrne, played by Affleck. JD, a brooding chain-smoking hothead whose history with the recently deceased has put him on edge at his core, still loves the job even with all the obstacles thrown their way.
Dane’s desire to step away from the force leads him and his team to a Crimestoppers tip of a semi-abandoned stash house in Hialeah. What was supposed to be only a few hundred thousand dollars has now thrown the squad for a loop, as millions of the cartel’s dollars are uncovered. Dane, put in a difficult position, faces threats from all sides as the cartel is threatening to make its way back for what’s theirs. The only way out is together, but that’s if members of the squad can contain their own greed as they’re facing a potential payday that can change their lives in an instant.
From there on, the match is lit, but Carnahan doesn’t do much to fan the flames, as the film’s circular nature serves only to build the tension. It’s pretty formulaic in its approach, and audiences can feel Carnahan so desperately wants to infuse the storytelling with a layer of sophistication that undermines their investment when the guns are blazing and the scheming is pushed aside. It doesn’t help that most of the starry ensemble isn’t really given much to do. Teyana Taylor, fresh from her award-winning work in “One Battle After Another,” has a delightful screen presence but is relegated to counting money for a large amount of the film’s runtime. Steven Yeun, who plays detective Mike Ro, is the only other member besides the two leads to get anything to work with, as Mike’s apprehension of Dane’s approach to the rip leads to a few tense sequences.
The direction is economic at best, with shootouts that are entertaining enough to keep those engaged until the next one. There is a moment in the film’s final thirty minutes when the energy of “The Rip” shifts, and it becomes the film most of us were hoping it would be. “The Rip” is serviceable largely due to the well-worn chemistry between Affleck and Damon. It delivers exactly what’s expected, leaving viewers mildly satisfied in the moment, but unlikely to think about it again long after the credits roll. That’s just the deal when it comes to outings like this; in this case, it’s only sold because of the two stars front and center, who can still make action films that feel like they’re from a bygone era, for better and for worse.
