Going in Style review by Bobby Blakey
When you bring iconic actors together there is always a chance at making magic, but its not a guarantee. Director Zac Braff decided to do just that with remaking the 1979 film Going in Style that starred George Burns, Art Carney and Lee Strasberg. His remake stars Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Aslan Arkin with Ann Margaret, Matt Dillon, Christopher Lloyd, Peter Serafinowicz, and John Ortz rounding out the cast, but does it offer up the promised laughs or will it not be able to pull off the job?
Going in Style follows three seniors, who are living social security check to check and even reduced to eating dog food at times, decide they have had enough. So, they plan to rob a bank...problem is, they don't even know how to handle a gun! A social commentary on growing old in America and what we are sometimes driven to, due to circumstances. I was afraid going into this that the few funny bits were in the trailer and that was going to be it, but I was surprised how funny it was overall. The bank robbing aspect alone was entertaining, but it was the chemistry of these three guys during their daily normal routines that was the best. Their one liners and funny scenes that fully embraced their age made for some laugh loud moments. There is some heartfelt moments here as well that thrust the story forward giving them purpose in their decisions, but they make sure to never get to heavy with it. Their different personalities worked great together making for a belief in them being old friends and willing to back each other up in such a ridiculous plan. One of my favorites from the entire film is actually Christopher Lloyd’s supporting performance that is hilarious every time he is on screen.
This isn’t a film that is breaking down any walls in the world of comedy, but managed to be something fun and different outside the usual blockbuster that get all the attention today. I can’t imagine anyone not loving all of these guys so check the film out for no other reason to just see them having what looks like is a blast together.
Get in on the heist and grab your copy of Going in Style available now on Digital HD and then on Blu-ray and DVD on August 1st from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.