"They say we die twice. Once when the breath leaves our body, and once when the last person we know says our name."--Valentino
The 2012 Fisher Stevens film, Stand Up Guys, has a strong cast. Bringing in $3 million at the box office, it was clearly something of a flop. Unfortunately, Al Pacino, Christopher Walken and Alan Arkin might not be the draw they once were. The 95 minute, Rated R mob-like movie was, if anything, consistent. Not great. Not horrible.
Valentino, "Val" to his friends -- Pacino to you and me, is just released from prison after 28 years locked away. "Doc" (Walken) meets him at the gate. Retired made-men, the two head back to Doc's, where a pull-out sofa bed is ready for Val. Having spent his retired days painting sunrises and sunsets, Doc is pretty set in his routine. A little frisky after decades behind bars, Val is hoping to party.
Nightclubs, and whore houses, some robbery and plenty of reminiscing is what unfolds. Doc was able to track down his daughter, but not his granddaughter. The regrets of his life apparent in his face, in his words, and even in his actions. Somewhat bitter, Val, was sent to prison and never talked. Never gave anyone up. Took the punishment all on his own.
Mark Margolis portrays the mob boss character, Claphands. He has not forgotten Val, or part of why Val was in prison. Claphands' only son was murdered by Val. The only fair thing is revenge. The clock is set. At 10:00 AM, Val will be dead. One way or the other.
Enter Alan Arkin as Hirsch. Doc and Val rescue their old time friend from a retirement home. They steal a Mustang, and they paint the town red. That is, until they find a surprise in the trunk of the vehicle. And then participate in serving up some serious justice.
Many scenes, I hate to admit are just over acted by Pacino. However, the story continues to move forward. It is often touching and slightly emotional. It is often humorous and slightly compelling. Overall it is a solid rental, or Netflix kind of film. I did not play with my phone, or scroll statuses on Facebook. It's how I rate a film, people. For these reasons, and the simple respect for the cast, I am giving Stand Up Guys 7 out of 10 stars. Why 7? Because it really was a pretty good film. Not great. But Pretty good. (Lots of bad language, some violence, No Nudity).
Phillip Tomasso Author of the Best Selling Vaccination Trilogy http://www.philliptomasso.com/
The 2012 Fisher Stevens film, Stand Up Guys, has a strong cast. Bringing in $3 million at the box office, it was clearly something of a flop. Unfortunately, Al Pacino, Christopher Walken and Alan Arkin might not be the draw they once were. The 95 minute, Rated R mob-like movie was, if anything, consistent. Not great. Not horrible.
Valentino, "Val" to his friends -- Pacino to you and me, is just released from prison after 28 years locked away. "Doc" (Walken) meets him at the gate. Retired made-men, the two head back to Doc's, where a pull-out sofa bed is ready for Val. Having spent his retired days painting sunrises and sunsets, Doc is pretty set in his routine. A little frisky after decades behind bars, Val is hoping to party.
Nightclubs, and whore houses, some robbery and plenty of reminiscing is what unfolds. Doc was able to track down his daughter, but not his granddaughter. The regrets of his life apparent in his face, in his words, and even in his actions. Somewhat bitter, Val, was sent to prison and never talked. Never gave anyone up. Took the punishment all on his own.
Mark Margolis portrays the mob boss character, Claphands. He has not forgotten Val, or part of why Val was in prison. Claphands' only son was murdered by Val. The only fair thing is revenge. The clock is set. At 10:00 AM, Val will be dead. One way or the other.
Enter Alan Arkin as Hirsch. Doc and Val rescue their old time friend from a retirement home. They steal a Mustang, and they paint the town red. That is, until they find a surprise in the trunk of the vehicle. And then participate in serving up some serious justice.
Many scenes, I hate to admit are just over acted by Pacino. However, the story continues to move forward. It is often touching and slightly emotional. It is often humorous and slightly compelling. Overall it is a solid rental, or Netflix kind of film. I did not play with my phone, or scroll statuses on Facebook. It's how I rate a film, people. For these reasons, and the simple respect for the cast, I am giving Stand Up Guys 7 out of 10 stars. Why 7? Because it really was a pretty good film. Not great. But Pretty good. (Lots of bad language, some violence, No Nudity).
Phillip Tomasso Author of the Best Selling Vaccination Trilogy http://www.philliptomasso.com/