Movie Breakdown: Going In Style

Pre-Screening Stance:

Going In Style does not look like a good movie, but I’m signed up because it features Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Alan Arkin.  Also, I’m curious as hell as to why Zach Braff (Garden State) directed it.  Is he super broke?  Did he owe someone a favor?  Is he going to deliver some sort of important social and /or political message via this old guy movie?  I need to know!

Post-Screening Stance:

If you asked me to pick one word to describe Going In Style, I’d go with harmless.  Three retired fellas get their pension unceremoniously taken from them, so they decide to rob their lousy bank in an effort to get every buck that is owed to them.  There’s nothing offensive or edgy that takes place.  Hell, there isn’t even an overabundance of “old people” jokes.  The film begins, some mildly entertaining things happen, then it ends.  I don’t know why any of the actors signed on for it, as none of the roles are interesting or challenging.  There’s not even really a message or moral to be pulled from the film.  It just exists, with its talented cast and director, for no discernible reason.  It’s mind-boggling.  People gotta get paid, though, I guess?

You should skip Going In Style and catch something else this weekend.  It’s not a movie worth paying to see in the theater.  It’s barely a movie that you should watch from the comfort of your couch.  Sure, it’s a harmless little flick, but it’s just filler and you could totally be reading a book or staring at a wall.

One Last Thought:

Going In Style probably would have been pretty good had it been two hours of Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Alan Arkin just sitting around and talking.  They each have such great voices.