Going In Style starring Morgan Freeman may be about the elderly but its charm and humour is for all ages [Review]
A hilarious film about friendship.For so many reasons, Going in Style shouldn’t be a hit. It’s about three old men – riddled with gout, arthritis, and kidney failure – who, after losing their pensions, decide to rob the bank that’s messed up their lives.
The movie plays fast and loose with who’s good and who’s bad, it’s an outlandish plot, it glamourises theft, and, and, and ... but it works! It’s brilliant and hilarious, heartbreaking and heartwarming, and moves at the pace of a spry young man.
Joe, Willie and Albert (Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Alan Arkin, respectively, and with a combined age of 247) have the easy dynamic of lifelong friends. You can’t help but feel upset watching their lives fall apart. They are perfect anti-heroes; loved and rooted for, despite their criminal plans.
The dialogue is witty, the story is just the right amount of kooky, and the performances outstanding. There are plenty of funny scenes to keep you laughing, and the mutual teasing, grumpiness and love between the three leads serve as the beating heart of Going In Style.
This Zach Braff film about friendship is unexpectedly endearing; reminding us that old people are people, too. It also reminds us that “it is a culture’s duty to look after its elderly”.
Contains mature scenes