Not even five living legends can save this hackneyed remake.
I had such high hopes going into this movie. No really, I did. When Morgan Freeman (“Million Dollar Baby”), Michael Caine (“The Cider House Rules”), Alan Arkin (“Little Miss Sunshine”), Christopher Lloyd (“Back to the Future”) and Ann-Margret (“Tommy”) come together, surely their illustrious starpower and acting prowess will shine through. Coupled with the fact that recent Oscar nominated writer-director Theodore Melfi (“Hidden Figures”) penned the script, one would imagine that “Going in Style” would be somewhat of a fun ride.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t pan out that way. While the presence of the formidable cast gives the audience something to look forward to in each scene, even the naturally mesmerizing qualities of Freeman, Caine and Arkin are not enough to save this rather pallid film. “Going in Style” tells the story of Willie (Morgan Freeman), Joe (Michael Caine) and Albert (Alan Arkin), three lifelong buddies who became friends during their fifty year stint working at the steel mill. They’re pushing eighty and can hardly make ends meet with their meager pension. And with Joe’s home (which also houses his daughter and granddaughter) soon to be foreclosed, their pension dropped due to company debts, and loans that are nothing more than bait-and-switch, the three have to do something–anything. That’s when the harebrained idea of robbing a bank comes into their head. Sure it sounds insane, but what do they really have to lose?
One would have hoped that the film’s message–that hardworking men and women are being swindled out of their retirement money due to the economic blunders of today’s financial institutions–would invigorate the viewer to care. But unfortunately that thematic nuance is not enough to save the film from its directional missteps and (quite sadly) poorly written script by the “Hidden Figures” director Theodore Melfi. While there were instances that were funny and fresh (all the small moments with Christopher Lloyd spring to mind), it was still a rather uninspiring film. Strangely enough, it is actually Melfi who changed the script to a more upbeat ending than the original. Whether this was a result of Braff, the studio or Melfi’s own indignation at how these stars would be narratively treated, we may never know.
With poor pacing and bizarre moments of comic book stylization montages that do not fit, Zach Braff’s newest film is a poor addition to the young director’s once promising trajectory. While his debut “Garden State” signaled the arrival of a talented nascent filmmaker and “Wish I Was Here” demonstrated a respectable sophomore attempt, “Going in Style” showcases nothing but a lackluster endeavor. The director frequently showcases a zany direction style that is more similar to his time on “Scrubs” than his touching first film. While “Going in Style” never attempted to portray itself as an Oscar contender, surely the presence of such accomplished and revered actors should have forced Braff to put some effort into making his most recent feature formally and narratively sound.
Instead, we are forced to sit through a never ending cascade of cliches, poor dialogue and a befuddled narrative. It pains me to see such incredible actors–who have had careers that people can only dream of–have to succumb to such platitudinous roles. Which is not their fault for they attempt bring all the charm and vigor of the 1979 original. Regrettably, that effort seems to be continuously sabotaged by the stale writing, uninventive direction and a incessant reliance on melos. It’s rather heartbreaking to see such a wasted opportunity to work with not one, not two, not three, not even four, but FIVE living legends. Between everyone in the film, there are over eighteen Oscar nominations and four wins. It’s quite a feat to have all of these amazing individuals work on one project. Sadly even Arkin’s quick-witted dry humor, Caine’s sly charm and Freeman’s multifaceted genre talents, can’t save this hackneyed comedy. In the end, the rat pack-era trio are the only redeemable quality of this film.
“Going in Style” hits theaters nationwide April 7.