Joe (Michael Caine), Willie (Morgan Freeman) and Albert (Alan Arkin) have been friends for much of their life. They worked for years at the local steel mill and are living on the pensions they earned from their hard work. In a flurry of ownership changes, their pensions are frozen, leaving the men in their golden years without a source of income. But don’t discount Joe, Willie and Albert — a plan is afoot in the film Going in Style.
With Joe leading the charge, the three decide to rob a bank. Yep, they are almost “8-0,” yet they are still up for pulling off the ultimate robbery. This heist, which would challenge even a young man or woman, is their new focus, and these seniors are going about it in a serious manner.
They look to those they know to be unsavory to find an accomplice and end up with a man named Jesus (John Ortiz) teaching them the ropes and going through practice bank-robbing sessions. But before long, the day arrives — it’s now or never for them to take the leap. Will they? And if they do, can they pull off this crime that’s normally reserved for younger men?
I really like these actors, and their rapport is what makes Going in Style work. Caine, Freeman and Arkin work like a well-oiled machine when it comes to their onscreen presence. The banter between the three veteran actors makes the rest of the film work, as at times the script feels to be lacking and the film slows. Amazingly I can imagine many, many scenes on the cutting room floor and I can’t wait to watch those deleted scenes in the home entertainment release.
The fun is not limited to our three leads. Director Zach Braff (Garden State, Wish I Was Here) allows characters like Annie (Ann-Margret), Milton (Christopher Lloyd) and Agent Hamer (Matt Dillon) to have their moments in the sun and add to the story. And don’t even get me started about Kenan Thompson, who steals a scene as the manager at the grocery store where the men do a trial robbery.
I found myself so immensely satisfied watching individuals who I believe to be Hollywood royalty, having fun. Just that, in and of itself, made me smile. There’s no question these great actors are Going in Style, and here’s to hoping they go that way for many years more. Great talent is always in style.
Going In Style is available On Demand beginning Aug. 1 Check your cable system for availability
