Every few years, we seem to get a caper comedy involving a bunch of old guys, as if the film studios have realised that not all film-goers are 14 year old boys. The last example I remember was Last Vegas. One of the stars of that – Morgan Freeman – is back in a similar role in Going in Style, along with Alan Arkin and Michael Caine. The three old timers are broke, having lost their pensions when their former company was taken over and are angry at the banks. So angry, in fact, that they decide to rob one.
Given that premise, the film pretty much writes itself. There are no surprises along the way, as the story plays out exactly as you’d suspect. The lead actors are not exactly phoning their performances in, but they breeze through without having to make much effort, and that is what it takes to watch the film. There are a few chuckles along the way, and some good supporting performances from Matt Dillon as the FBI agent on their trail, Joey King as Caine’s grand daughter, and Ann-Margret as Arkin’s love interest. 24 years on from her role as the sexy older lady in Grumpy Old Men, she is still able to pull off something similar here.
Truly a feel good film, this would make an interesting double bill with the superior Hell or High Water that is has more in common with that you would think.
Rating: 7 out of 10