By Claire Gunning
Opinion Editor
“Going in Style” does exactly opposite of that, leaving audiences bored with the feeling of having wasted time.
Although the famous lead actors Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and Alan Arkin, are familiar and charismatic, “Going in Style” bores with overdone jokes, a safe plotline and characters that succumb to the stereotypes of their old age. The movie had potential but fell flat due to the safe writing.
“Going in Style,” directed by Zach Braff, is a remake of the original “Going in Style” movie which was released in 1979. The new movie was written by Theodore Melfi, while the original movie was written by Edward Cannon.
Photos: Movie posters and cast from “Going in Style” 2017 and 1979.
The 2017 movie is centered around three retired men who wish to rob a bank due to their pensions being canceled. Each of the men has their own personal struggles and wish to have an exciting adventure, and also benefit them from the money. The men are played by famed comedic actors Freeman, Caine and Arkin.
Although the film was dull, Freeman, Caine and Arkin provided a much needed saving grace through their charismatic personalities. The three familiar faces are comforting and charming throughout the movie. The actors have apparent chemistry on screen, making the movie slightly enjoyable to watch.
The dry plotline was a major downfall of “Going in Style.” With a predictable ending and a plot that was easy to follow, featuring no turns or twists, the movie was monotonous and unimaginative, resulting in a lack of depth. The movie had no dimension, which led to it being simply forgetful.
Along with a dull plot, quips were simply thrown into the movie haphazardly. The humor is underdeveloped as well as dull and overused. Cheapshots and shticks that poke fun at retirees and the economy provided no innovative or original material.
The side actors’ talents were wasted on the simple characters that they were cast as. With actors and actresses such as Matt Dillon and Joey King, the movie had great potential to put these acting skills to good use but wasted them on characters with no depth.
“Going in Style” failed to deliver an interesting plot worth talking about, and left audiences feeling bored and unfulfilled due to cheap jokes and weak characters. With star-studded actors, the movie should have been able to deliver a more insightful and witty comedy, yet it only delivered a simple laugh.
“Going in Style“ opened on April 7, is rated PG-13 and is playing in theaters nationwide.
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