Going in Style (2017)

I believe that a story must be the most important aspect of a film to order to gain maximum success. Other cinematic aspects however can carry a film to respectable success and in the case of "Going in Style", it is the casting. Because of their inclusion in two film franchises, this movie is the sixth time that Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine have acting in together. Throw in Alan Arkin and you have a trio that is more than capable of entertaining the audience. The chemistry does wonders for the story and jokes throughout the film. This is a lighthearted comedy that may not be worth the huge price of a movie ticket but is worth seeing nonetheless.

This film is a remake but the ending was changed to be more positive than its predecessor. This change required the bank that the three men rob to be depicted as uncharitable, weak, silly and dishonest as this would justify Willie, Joe and Al's act. Each of the protagonists makes their decision to rob the bank at different moments and these three instances are portrayed quite clearly. You can predict most of the plot but you do get fooled here and there. Sometimes, that's enough to make the movie experience worth watching. I particularly loved the twist at the end that creates a bookend. I did not know that Zach Braff directed this movie and I felt he created a sense of humor in the film that worked. Comedies these days tend to be too raunchy for my taste and the comedy of "Going in Style" stemmed from the chemistry between the three protagonists and the actors who portrayed them. These three senior Oscar winners were great choices to take the place of George Burns, Art Carney and Lee Strasberg. The voice that Caine used during the robbery was very good and I marveled at Freeman's poker face during the lineup scene. I feel that Arkin was a better choice than Dustin Hoffman in this one case. As good as these three men were in their roles, my favorite performance came from the actor who plays Milton. I did not know he was in this show and the surprise of that moment instantly made "Going in Style" worth seeing. I also liked seeing Kenan Thompson in this film. Joey King was in "Oz the Great and Powerful" with Braff and I am sure that is one reason why she plays Joe's granddaughter.

Some people may not feel this movie is as good as it could have been and I can understand their point. As for me, the names of Freeman, Caine and Arkin were enough to get me to see this show and it delivered pretty well. They didn't have to work too hard on the chemistry between them. The acting performances added to the story and comedy such that you come away feel happy and content.

3.5 out of 5 Stars