Movie Review: Going In Style

Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and Alan Arkin star in Going in Style. Exclusive to TimeOut until April 20

Despite being one of more outwardly craven attempts to cash in on the audience revealed by the success of films like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and The Lady In The Van, Going In Style has a mushy centre that is difficult to resist.

Oscar-winners Sir Michael Caine (Jaws: The Revenge), Morgan Freeman (Batman Begins) and Alan Arkin (The Rocketeer) play Joe, Willie and Albert, three lifelong friends who worked for the same company for many years. After outsourcing results in their pensions being cancelled, Joe, who recently witnessed a bank robbery up close, gets stuck on the idea of stealing back their money using the same method.

Ostensibly a remake of the 1979 film of the same name, this really borrows only the basic set-up, and is a far less melancholy outing than the earlier movie.

There's a distinct lack of flair to Zach Braff's directorial decisions here, in marked contrast to his previous films, the ennui-centric, heavily stylised Garden State (2004) and Wish I Was Here (2014). He more or less steps aside and allows the chemistry between his lead actors to carry the film, which it ably does.

Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and Alan Arkin star in Going in Style. Exclusive to TimeOut until April 20

Among the supporting players, Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future) generates laughs with a characterisation that some may nevertheless consider slightly offensive, and Ann-Margret (Viva Las Vegas) is great, if somewhat under-utilised, as Albert's love-interest.

It's probably not the best sign that the film's comedic highlight is a scene where the three leads riff on an episode of The Bachelorette, but Michael, Morgan and Alan roll out more than enough of the old magic to keep the proceedings enjoyable.

Cast: Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Alan Arkin
Director: Zach Braff
Running time: 96mins
Rating: M (Offensive language)
Verdict: Class actors in charm in this light comedy