Director: Zach Braff
Starring: Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Alan Arkin, Ann-Margret, Christopher Lloyd, Matt Dillon, John Ortiz, Peter Serafinowicz, Kenan Thompson, Josh Pais.
Yay, I was actually excited to see Zach Braff at the helm of the movie, being a massive fan of Garden State, which he wrote, starred and directed. Though he's probably still best know for playing Dr John "J.D." Dorian from Scrubs. Also Hidden Figures director Theodore Melfi writes the screenplay, possibly for the film he was going to direct?
It's actually a harsh, bleak and sorry state of modern reality of hearing about corporations and banks robbing people of their pensions and essential hanging the working people out to dry. This sets the foundation of the elderly trio to put their revenge in motion. A similar story to last year's Hell or High Water and Golden Years? Actually no, it's a remake of Martin Brest's comedy titular caper of 1979.
We're given a sure fire cast of Caine, Freeman and Arkin, what more could an audience ask and there's good chemistry between the three amigos, each with their own personalities and attitudes, probably Arkin's being my favourite of the three, constantly having the pessimistic, blunt out look all of the time. A proper grump old man, but funny with it.
There's a large supporting cast of familiar faces with Ortiz, Dillon, the ever busy Serafinowicz and of course the still stunning 60's sex symbol Ann-Margret. Oh, and how could I nearly forget the cranky Christopher Lloyd who provides quite a few laughs. And Kenan? Wasn't expecting to see that blast from the past.
As the trailer and original film suggests, the three decide to rob a bank, and whilst the planning process is hilarious, the comedy element peaks too early and then finishes with a touching, almost meaningful ending. It does have a few misleading plot twists to try fulfil real crime caper fans, actually making the film unpredictable in parts. It actually keeps quite close to the original in terms of emotional investment, the meaning of family and friendship.
It's quite creative and well captured, half funny and strangely inspiring. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have the great family of friends I have which this film reminds me of, which is a good thing if a film does that.
Running Time: 7
The Cast: 9
Performance: 8
Direction: 8
Story: 6
Script: 6
Creativity: 8
Soundtrack: 6
Job Description: 6
The Extra Bonus Point: 0
Would I buy the Blu-ray?: Nah.
64% 6/10
