As an actor he's better at comedy then drama. In dramatic roles he's just average. In comedic roles he's pretty solid.

I think he did a great job directing GBG and I look forward to The Town, which looks seriously bad ass.

As a person he seems like a pretty cool guy.

i liked reindeer games....i had to say it. the ending of gone baby gone ruined the entire film for me. never watch it again. his movie about bank robbing in boston looks like a made for tv movie. outside of reindeer games...he needs to stick with kevin smith.

I have to agree, he was the bomb in Phantoms, yo.

His acting is alright, I've not seen his directing, but his down to earth attitude about himself makes him cooler than some actors.

He's pretty good in the right role, but I wouldn't kill my family if he stops acting, just as long as he continues the directing gig. Regarding the acting, I do feel he gets way too much undeserved hatred.

That's an interesting phrase, one that has me curious. Are there current actors who upon hanging it up would cause you to kill your family?

Affleck's been terrific in one role, Chasing Amy, but little more than a charismatic, semi-amiable face in most other things. It looks like he's developing a very promising career as a director, however. I never, ever thought I'd ever say the words, "I'm looking forward to the next Affleck-directed film", but I'm pretty geared up to see The Town.

His brother's a much better actor.

This.

So you're a Sox fan?

...I'd like to see an explanation on that. I'm not an Affleck hater, but...he wasn't great as DD. As whatever cut you saw the film and many other elements in it were pretty weak.

He doesn't bother me as an actor, but I am very much looking forward to seeing his directing career unfold.

And as others said, he seems like a pretty cool, amiable guy off camera.

Loved him in the first two things I saw him in, Chasing Amy and Good Will Hunting, so I'm inclined to be patient on his recent mediocre acting turns and truly expect him to turn out some solid performances in the future.

Very impressed with Gone Baby Gone, but need to see more directing turns to know for sure I guess.

Good actor, great director.

His scene in 'Boiler Room' was similar to Alec Baldwin in 'Glengarry Glen Ross'. He was only in the film a short time, and made a huge impact with a show-stealing performance.

I think his choices in roles are chiefly responsible for him having a bad rap as an actor, because he can certainly give a good performance.

Wow, I don't think those performances are even in the same universe. Alec's scene is legendary and is still quoted. I can't even remember what Ben's character said in Boiler Room. He was just some cocky young stockbroker. It's a part that could have been played by any number of actors. JMO, of course, but I don't think that performance was memorable at all.

o'bannon does not approve of this thread...

I like Affleck. But clearly he has made some poor choices with his roles. I think he realizes that he shouldn't have taken so many roles clearly for a paycheck. What else could be a reason? The roles certainly didn't offer a challenge. I think with his choice now you will see better selection down the road, and directing is certainly a solid fall back.

I like him in Chasing Amy

Average actor, great potential as a director, seems like a funny guy - too bad he's a Bosox fan.

Ben Affleck is among the many that are stealing money in Hollywood. The man has no acting abiltiy whatsoever, and is only there because of his looks. Now I don't want to sound harsh towards Affleck, because there are so many people in Hollywood that are just look him, all looks and no talent.

I disagree. I don't think he is a great actor but I do enjoy him in most of his movies. Like others I was impressed with Gone Baby Gone and am really looking forward to The Town.

Regardless if the movie is weak or cheesy, it was kinda fun to watch for me. I don't think he made a super great daredevil, but at least pretty decent imo.

There were scenes that I found cool, like when they kissed in the rain, and when he was a little boy sliding down tall buildings, and when his dad was killed etc

I rank it up there with Ghost rider, though I like Ghost rider more.

I like Ben Affleck in certain roles (like armageddon)

He's like Justin Timberlake, the only thing he does that's relevent to me is "Saturday Night Live"

One more and he joins the Five-Timers Club!

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I liked him in the after school special he did where he flipped out on steroids. That was his high point

Really looking forward to The Town and loved GBG.

I also like him as an actor.

How so?

In any case, I must say that I find Ben Affleck to be hysterical on the commentaries to both Mallrats and Chasing Amy. He's a surprisingly witty guy. And I like his acting in the films I've seen him in (which are mostly, if enough entirely, Kevin Smith movies.)