Ben Affleck's "Animals" Film Receives Critical Reviews

Ben Affleck's latest directorial effort, the Los Angeles-set crime thriller "Animals," has garnered a largely negative critical reception, with reviewers describing it as a listless and surprisingly anonymous film that lacks originality. The movie, which Affleck also stars in, reportedly feels derivative of numerous other, superior films within the genre. This marks a departure from Affleck's previous directorial successes, such as "Gone Baby Gone" and "The Town," which were noted for their artistic ambition and crowd-pleasing elements, respectively. Despite his established presence in Hollywood and his company's film production activities with longtime collaborator Matt Damon, "Animals" appears to signal a downturn in his directing career, which has been in a perceived "post-Oscar doldrums" since his film "Argo" won Best Picture in 2013, though Affleck himself has never received a Best Director Oscar nomination.

In "Animals," Affleck portrays Mark Kimball, a mayoral candidate in Los Angeles. His character is presented as an independent, non-party-affiliated contender with a vaguely defined platform, further contributing to the film's perceived lack of substance. Kimball's backstory is depicted as multifaceted, including roles as a teacher, lawyer, and a veteran of the first Gulf War, a narrative element that some critics have questioned for its plausibility. He is shown to be leveraging his family's wealth to navigate a close campaign. The plot escalates when, on Halloween, Kimball receives a ransom call informing him that his preteen son, Denny, has been kidnapped. The kidnappers demand $7 million, a sum that Kimball reportedly does not possess, setting the stage for the film's central conflict. Kerry Washington plays Abby, Kimball's wife, who is experiencing her own undisclosed problems, adding another layer of personal tension to the unfolding crisis. Christopher Woodley is credited as playing the kidnapped son, Denny.

The critical consensus suggests that "Animals" fails to deliver on the promise of Affleck's previous work, offering a predictable narrative and a lack of engaging elements. Reviewers have pointed to the film's uninspired execution and its inability to distinguish itself within the crowded landscape of crime thrillers. The film's setting in Los Angeles, intended to echo the urban crime dramas of his earlier career, is described as failing to provide a compelling backdrop. The overall impression is one of a project that, despite its capable cast and director, ultimately falls short of expectations, presenting a dull and uninspired cinematic experience that lacks both narrative drive and thematic depth. The film's perceived anonymity is a significant point of criticism, suggesting a missed opportunity for Affleck to showcase his directorial talents with a fresh and impactful story.