Going in Style – Funniest Movie We’ve Seen All Year!
A reboot of the 1979 movie that was directed by Martin Brest and featured George Burns, Art Carney, and Lee Strasberg. Three seniors, who are living social security check to check and even reduced to eating dog food at times, decide they have had enough. So, they plan to rob a bank…problem is, they don’t even know how to handle a gun! A social commentary on growing old in America and what we are sometimes driven to, due to circumstances. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Samantha M. comments, “Out of all of the movies that I have seen this year, this movie is by far the funniest. Within five minutes, my stomach hurt because I was laughing so much.” Arjun N. adds, “Going in Style is a great remake of the 1979 movie of the same name. I found the acting and humor to be funny and it will definitely appeal to all heist movie fans.” See their full reviews below.
Going In Style
By Samantha Marcus, Kids First! Film Critic, Age 17
Out of all of the movies that I have seen this year, this movie is by far the funniest. Within five minutes, my stomach hurt because I was laughing so much.
I love a comedic plot and Going In Style is exactly that – three older men try to rob a bank to obtain a better life. These lifelong friends, Willie, Al and Joe, are having personal struggles. Willie (Morgan Freeman) desperately needs a new kidney. Joe (Michael Caine) is losing his home. And, Al (Alan Arkin) is just pressured into robbing a bank. Joe thinks of making the idea a reality once their pensions are cancelled. Inspired by a robbery the men witnessed, Willie, Joe and Al are optimistic they can steal their deserved pension money, but are going to need help.
Morgan Freeman’s portrayal of Willie is incredible. Given that Willie needs a new kidney to better his life, Freeman’s despair is heart-wrenching and he connects with the audience in a unique way, because he remains hopeful that he will feel better in the near future. Michael Caine really suits the role of Joe whose fearless personality helps accelerate the success of the robbery. Alan Arkin plays Al who acts innocent at first, but once the robbery becomes a reality, you see his wild side emerge and it is quite hilarious.
The costumes worn by Willie, Joe and Al are extremely entertaining. They wear masks that resemble
famous people! In addition to this, the bank they plan to rob is very fancy. Seeing famous people walk into an elegant bank with guns and large bags is humorous to watch. My favorite part is when Joe and Willie are watching television and The Bachelorette comes on. This scene had me laughing the entire time because I am a such a Bachelorette fan. Seeing these older men discuss Kaitlyn Bristowe’s final pick was unexpected, but gave me a good laugh.
The message of this film is to chase after your dreams, no matter how old you are. If 70 year old men can rob a bank, then you can too. All humor aside, the film illustrates that nothing is impossible and you can better your life if you want to. Hands down, this film deserves 5 out of 5 stars. There are a multitude of jokes, action scenes and the motivation that these three men possess to reunite with their families and better their lives is so strong. It motivates me to jump over any obstacle in my way and complete any task I need to. I recommend this film to kids ages 13 to 18, because it leaves you with a smile on your face. Even though it is about robbing a bank, kids know to not replicate that, so I’m not concerned about them heading out to rob their neighborhood bank. There are a few shooting scenes, so please be mindful about who goes to see this film. Adults will love this film as well, because they can relate to the personal issues these men face. This film opens nationwide on April 7th, 2017. It has something for everyone and if you have never seen three older men rob a bank, you definitely should.
Going in style
By Arjun N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15
Going in Style is a great remake of the 1979 movie of the same name. I found the acting and humor to
be funny and it will definitely appeal to all heist movie fans.
This movie is about three elderly people, Willie (Morgan Freeman), Joe (Michael Caine) and Albert (Alan Arkin), whose pensions have been frozen by a corrupt bank. Desperate to save his house and family, Joe has an idea to rob the corrupt bank. Despite initially disagreeing, Willie and Albert agree to the plan. However, the three have a long way to go, and the three must face training to pull off the impossible heist.
Morgan Freeman as Willy presents a supportive friend with health ailments and expresses his love for his granddaughter with whom he communicates by internet. Michael Cane as Joe is the one who comes up with the plan and is very impressive because of his willpower to not lose his home. Alan Arkin as Albert is my favorite character as he steals the show with his charm and wit. Matt Dillon as Hamer portrays an intelligent cop who wants to track down these bank robbers. John Ortiz as Jesus delivers an interesting mystery as a foster pet caregiver gangster. Joey King as Brooklyn exhibits an energetic and youthful teen in Joe’s granddaughter.
The direction by Zach Braff is slow paced in the beginning and becomes fast paced towards the end. The movie seems to the drag a lot in the beginning but it comes around. The script by Theodore Melfi is funny and it balances out the humorous and dramatic scenes really well. My favorite scene is the chase after they rob a local convenience store. It is very hilarious and comedic, and had me laughing out loud.
The movie’s message is to never underestimate a person by their age or looks because the three friends are able to pull out an impossible heist in spite of their age and health issues. I give this movie 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18 due to some scenes involving drugs and some language. This film opens in theaters on April 7th, so go and check it out for a fun laugh aloud heist comedy.
