Patty's Picks: Ben Affleck uses creative touch in new thriller

Ben Affleck returns to the big screen in front of and behind the camera with “Animals,” a new thriller now streaming on Netflix and playing in select theaters.

Film critic Patty Spitler takes a closer look at the story, Affleck’s creative choices and her final verdict.

Affleck stars as a man whose seemingly perfect life with his wife, played by Kerry Washington, takes a devastating turn when their son is kidnapped. Faced with the demand for ransom, he must find a way to secure the money while navigating a complicated web of deception.

“Now he has to come up not only with the ransom money, but also a way to break through a web of deception,” Patty said.

The situation becomes even more complicated when a supposed fixer steps in, promising to resolve the crisis but only adding to the uncertainty.

Affleck serves as the film’s star, co-writer and director, marking his fifth directorial effort. According to Patty, the filmmaker made several notable creative choices, including bringing in Mexican writers to help develop the film’s themes and incorporating AI-generated images.

Affleck also took an unconventional approach to gauging public reaction during production. He approached people on the streets of Los Angeles and told them he was running for mayor to see how they would respond.

“He approached some folks on the street in LA and said he was really running for mayor, just to get their reaction,” Spitler said. “He said it was mostly positive. Maybe he could be LA’s next mayor?”

“The acting was terrific, and I am a Ben Affleck fan!” Patty said. “I’d vote for him!”

How many stars does she give it? Watch the video and find out!

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