The Sunday Mail
ONE of the best finds of 2017 has to be, without a doubt, the Zach Braff-directed American heists comedy “Going Out in Style”.
It ticks the right boxes: it’s a comedy, brings together three of my all-time favourite actors, and can be enjoyed by the whole family.
A remake of a 1979 flick of the same name, “Going Out in Style” follows the trials of three lifelong friends who decide to rob a bank when they feel that life turned its back on them.
During an unpleasant appointment at a bank, Joe (Michael Caine) witnesses a robbery by three people wearing black masks.
The robbers get away with over US$1 million. Soon after, Joe and his two pals Willie (Morgan Freeman) and Albert (Alan Arkin) find out that the factory they worked for all their lives has been bought by that bank and their pensions have frozen.
Do they need any more motivation to rob that bank?
What follows is a three-part act that details the planning, execution and consequences of their scheme.
The original film did not have Freeman, Caine and Arkin — three Oscar winners and arguably among three of the very best in the business.
When you have the voices and screen presence of Caine, Freeman and Arkin, satisfaction is guaranteed.
Special mention goes to the supporting cast, in particular Kenan Thompson and Joey King, who — despite making sporadic appearances — make use of every second they get.
And did I mention that the story telling is top notch?
Unlike in the original, which I read was merely about three bored elderly friends, who decide to rob a bank for kicks, this one is actually an ode to the elderly.
Caine, Freeman and Arkin are not just depicted as your run-of-the-mill bored, senior citizens. They are real. They are believable.
Writer Theodore Mlefi does an excellent job with screenplay, the jokes are mature and funny, and the robbery trial run at a grocery shop is totally hilarious.
I did not really see Zach Braff’s hand in the directing department. But what directions can you give to three Oscar winners?
