Starting off the new year with a bang is usually a hard feat to accomplish. New releases in January tend to catch a lot of flak and guff. Typically, it’s a weak month when it comes to great new films. But with that taken into account, director Joe Carnahan delivers one of the better January films I can remember in “The Rip,” telling the story of Miami’s Tactical Narcotics Team (TNT), who discover a heavy load of cash during a job.
The film stars Matt Damon as the newly appointed Lieutenant of the group, directing his crew of detectives into a bust that isn’t what it seems to be. Carnahan co-wrote this film, which is loosely based on true events that will ultimately make you think, “Who do I trust?” Not only will you be asking yourself that question, but you’ll also ask it on multiple occasions. This script, despite minor flaws, is filled with more than one plot twist. “The Rip” will keep you guessing, keep you tense and pondering who the hell is actually the bad guy?
“The Rip” (2026) Review | Matt Damon & Ben Affleck’s Twisty Action Thriller
The Dynamic Duo Returns
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are great, as you’d imagine. Their dynamic has always been one that electrifies the screen and pulls viewers in. This time around, it’s no different and it adds an aspect of seniority. Damon is in charge, and despite his and Affleck’s characters being extremely close in the film, there’s that tension between them surrounding who is leading the way. Maybe I’m just geeking out as a long-time fan of theirs, but I fully enjoyed watching their banter, arguments, laughter and tension again.
Familiar Faces Bring Some Heat
There’s plenty of other names and faces you’ll recognize in “The Rip.” Steven Yeun and Teyana Taylor are two of the detectives within the TNT. Although at times it felt like Yeun was a bit miscast, he does play his part well in certain acts of the film. Despite being in the group, Taylor had only a minimal supporting role and didn’t have much dialogue. However, you can’t help but acknowledge her presence when on screen, as expected for the Golden Globe winner for her performance in “One Battle After Another,”
Kyle Chandler played his part as a DEA Agent well, also a minimal role, but one that is a key cog in the film. Geeking out here again, I love Scott Adkins and seeing him play a role in a film where he isn’t just roundhouse kicking people like a low-budget Jean-Claude Van Damme is a treat. Adkins plays Affleck’s brother, who also happens to be an FBI Agent. The dialogue between him and Affleck is really well done, and it was fun to watch their connection.
Pacing the Way Through Questions
I’ve seen some people complaining already about the pacing of “The Rip,” saying that it’s too slow at times, or a slow burn that never fully ignites. I don’t think I could disagree more. I really enjoyed the pacing of this film and didn’t find it slow at all.
From the jump, it straps you in for what turns out to be a very well-made cop thriller encapsulated by a lot of questions and misdirection. I think the pacing benefited this film because it’s not just a straight-up non-stop action movie. This one makes you think, especially when it lets off the gas. There are multiple parts of the script that match the pacing well. When the action hits, it hits hard, but when the smoke clears and the guns get reloaded, that’s when the questions come to mind. It will genuinely make you second-guess yourself when you think you have it figured out.
Director Joe Carnahan Understands His Strengths
I’m a Joe Carnahan apologist and believe that he is an undervalued and underappreciated director. He knows what his strengths are, and he puts them on display here, with the shaky camera to match the gun play, low light grading and action that is full bore when necessary. He just understands those elements. “The Rip” is not “The Grey” by any means, but it’s a hell of a lot of fun.
If you need to sit down and watch an enjoyable film that will make you think but not overthink, “The Rip” is in your wheelhouse. It’s almost a throwback to early 2000s action films in a sense, and one that, as mentioned, will keep you guessing amongst all the chaos. Plus, you get to see two greats back together again in Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, and that alone should get you to flip on Netflix and watch it!
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