thejcowboy22 Review of Going in Style

Going in Style (1979)

The Perfect Retirement, Paid by the state, Three square meals and security.

[7/10 · 2 November 2016]

In my opinion there have been many Hollywood tough guys on the silver screen. You probably would think immediately about the rugged John Wayne or Clint Eastwood. One of the coolest actors of all time in my opinion is the elderly bespectacled George Burns. This story is about the retirees. First there's Willie played by the legendary acting coach/actor Lee Strasberg. Second there's Al played by Honeymooners Icon Art Carney. Thirdly there's Joe played by George Burns. Joe the leader, the glue that holds the three together who all-share an apartment in Queens, New York. Being retired and the rising cost of living and basically relying on social security checks, the three men seem to get along together. The three forgotten souls spend most of their remaining time sitting on a park bench watching the world go by with nothing to look forward to. We really no nothing about their past lives except for upsetting comments made by Willie about his handling of his Son and his regrettable actions toward the boy. We want to learn more but a composed Joe handles Willie sorrows. I always admired George Burns work on the Screen and television. George always showed a composure and coolness to his role with outstanding results. Never demonstrative or raised his voice. Just an even keel on any situation. He never showed a drop of anxiety ever. Perfectly cast to play the Lord in those G-d movies and why not. Back to our story... Joe decides to rob a bank just to break up the mundane lifestyle the three men of leisure have. Perfectly planned the three seniors travel to their first bank job by way of a cab, (Too old to drive or expire licenses.) Oh yes did I mention their armed? Anyway the three enter the bank donned in Halloween masks as they announce a stick-up. They accidentally fire their weapon to the ceiling and their message was received as everyone hit the floor for safety. The three elders collected what they could in cash and headed out of the bank toward the Subway for home. Deep down Joe felt it was a matter of time that the police would catch them. The Next morning Joe and Al find Willie dead in his bed of natural causes. During Willies funeral you meet Al's extended family. Nephew Pete (Charles Hallahan) and his wife Kathy (Pamela Payton Wright) with their adorable daughter Colleen who's Uncle Al's pride and joy. On a whim Al and Joe fly out to Las Vegas and try to gamble some of the hot money away. The scene at the craps table is my favorite. As Al takes a beginner's guide to craps under the calm direction of Joe. Do they squander it all at the table? Do the Police catch up to them? Believe it or not there more twist and turns to this comedic yet poignant story. George Burns and Art Carney work well together throughout this movie. The kind of movie you'll watch again and again.