Braquage à l'ancienne

Going in Style isn't one of those typical "let's make fun of old people" films. Yes, it has a few gags about old age, but the majority of the film is just about three men, who happen to have white hair. Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, and Alan Arkin are three friends barely making ends meet. Morgan can't afford to visit his family, Michael's in danger of losing his home, and Alan clips coupons along with many other retirees whose Social Security doesn't cover all expenses. After Michael is present during a bank robbery, he comes up with the idea of robbing a bank himself, with a little help from his friends.

Michael and Morgan are given the most acting to do, since Alan is mainly the comic relief, and they are wonderful. They could have easily written the film off as a silly comedy and thrown their lines away, but both of them put their whole hearts behind their performances. Joining the supporting cast is Ann-Margaret, who inexplicably has a crush on Alan Arkin instead of the dreamy Michael Caine. She's basically the same as she was in Grumpy Old Men, but it's nice to see her still in circulation. Matt Dillon, who hasn't aged a day since Crash, Josh Pais, Christopher Lloyd, and Richie Moriarty also have small but memorable parts.

These days, it's extremely expensive to go to the theaters, and we often find ourselves saying, "Eh, I'll just rent it." I went to the theaters to see Going in Style, and it was worth every cent. This movie is hilarious, heartwarming, and extremely entertaining. If you just want to laugh at old people, go rent Dirty Grandpa or Last Vegas. But if you're looking for three Academy Award winning actors in a very sweet story, better acting than you'd expect in a comedy, and a film that respects older actors, this is one of the best.

Let's hope not, for a long time. While it's not a perfect movie, the 3 leads are so charismatic, they carry anything the movie throws at them. Some things may bit coincidental and may feel too convenient, but again you won't be thinking about that while watching the movie. You know a couple of things just by watching the movie and you can almost guess the "twists" entirely.

That still doesn't take away too much of the fun you can have while watching it. Dialog is nice and they play into the generation thing (social media, wordplay and of course limitations of age). But all in a really respectful way and yet still funny. If you like to have a good old time (no pun intended), you could do worse

The new film, GOING IN STYLE, is the equivalent of eating a Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomato Soup on a cold, rainy Sunday afternoon - very familiar, very welcome and very comforting.  It's not going to win any Academy Awards or change the course of movie history, but this film delivers - competently and professionally - what it promises to deliver with no fuss and no muss.

Starring film veterans Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Alan Arkin, GOING IN STYLE tells the story of how these three are pressed against the wall, financially, and their last resort is to rob a bank to get the money they need.

And...it's fun...not hilarious...not groundbreaking, but fun.  Caine, Freeman and Arkin believably play 3 long time friends who are nearing the end.  There is a comfort there with each other and it was pleasant to spend time with them.  Joining them was the one and only Ann- Margret and the always fun Christopher Lloyd (in, hands down, the best performance and most interesting character in the film).

Notice, I've used the words comforting, pleasant and pleasing.  I did NOT use the words groundbreaking, hilarious or epic.  I certainly enjoyed myself and am glad I saw it.

And you will too, whether you see this film in the movie theater or run across it as you are lying on the couch some rainy Sunday afternoon.

Letter Grade:  a solid "B"

7 (out of 10) stars and you can take that to the Bank (of Marquis)

"Going in Style (2017) is a professionally produced crime comedy about three lifelong friends who have fallen on hard times through the loss of their pension. Their plan to fix their financial woes comes in the form of a bank robber of their own personal bank that happens to control their pension. This is the second time I have watched this film and I love it every time. It is a reminder that there are good friends in the world that will go through the business with you. It also helps that some of my favorite actors are in the film. This is an overall great film and very sound technically.

For a comedy, the cinematography was surprising at how gripping it was in just the opening scene. The angles of the camera provided a glorious look into the bank that was far from boring. Director Zach Braff must have had the easiest job working with actors Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, and Alan Arkin, which allowed him to be so creative in his shot selection and editing choices because the acting was so great. I believe the story is very strong, only because it is a comedy. I don't think it would be feasible to make a realistic heist movie with limited mobility elderly. Overall, I think this film is great and would recommend it to all that want to know what real friendship looks like.

The best part about this movie is seeing Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, and Alan Arkin all on screen together. They have fantastic chemistry, and you really feel like their characters have actually been friends for 30+ years. They just glow on screen, and seeing them riff on each other and have a good time made for me to have a good time as well. They all gave great performances. The supporting cast was also really good. It was fun to see Christopher Lloyd pop up in a film again. We also got see some good performances from Kenan Thompson and Ann-Margret. Look, with this movie, there are no revolutionary jokes. It's everything you would expect there to be. I do tend to prefer edgier comedy than this, but I made my peace with it the second the first joke hit. This isn't meant to be a Seth Rogen kind of comedy. This is supposed to just be a fun, light- hearted, feel-good comedy, and it was really good for what it was...