Going in Style isn't one of those typical "let's make fun of old people" films. Yes, it has a few gags about old age, but the majority of the film is just about three men, who happen to have white hair. Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, and Alan Arkin are three friends barely making ends meet. Morgan can't afford to visit his family, Michael's in danger of losing his home, and Alan clips coupons along with many other retirees whose Social Security doesn't cover all expenses. After Michael is present during a bank robbery, he comes up with the idea of robbing a bank himself, with a little help from his friends.
Michael and Morgan are given the most acting to do, since Alan is mainly the comic relief, and they are wonderful. They could have easily written the film off as a silly comedy and thrown their lines away, but both of them put their whole hearts behind their performances. Joining the supporting cast is Ann-Margaret, who inexplicably has a crush on Alan Arkin instead of the dreamy Michael Caine. She's basically the same as she was in Grumpy Old Men, but it's nice to see her still in circulation. Matt Dillon, who hasn't aged a day since Crash, Josh Pais, Christopher Lloyd, and Richie Moriarty also have small but memorable parts.
These days, it's extremely expensive to go to the theaters, and we often find ourselves saying, "Eh, I'll just rent it." I went to the theaters to see Going in Style, and it was worth every cent. This movie is hilarious, heartwarming, and extremely entertaining. If you just want to laugh at old people, go rent Dirty Grandpa or Last Vegas. But if you're looking for three Academy Award winning actors in a very sweet story, better acting than you'd expect in a comedy, and a film that respects older actors, this is one of the best.
