Going in Style

Going in Style is a smart and fun comedy-drama film released in 2017. Guided by comedy veteran Zach Braff, the film is a modernized revival of a 1979 classic. With an enviable star-studded lineup including Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, and Alan Arkin, Going in Style is comic relief perceptively wrapped in a fearless plot that resonates with the struggles of the times.

The film's premise shapes around three senior men, Joe (Michael Caine), Willie (Morgan Freeman), and Albert (Alan Arkin), who are living the calm, settled life of retirees in Brooklyn, New York. Retiring with steel manufacturer pensions, their tranquil life goes off-kilter when the company switches production overseas and freezes their pensions overnight. Struggling with the financial crisis, an impending foreclosure of Joe's house, and medical bills, the trio are disillusioned and desperate.

An outlandish idea strikes Joe when he becomes an unintended witness of a bank robbery. In the face of dwindling options and strained circumstances, Joe seriously considers - why not rob a bank? The trio debates the idea and having conceded that they have nothing to lose, the old pals form an unlikely band of robbers, aiming at the very bank that dissolved their pensions, thus sparking the drama.

Zach Braff, well-known for his comedic prowess, does an excellent job of introducing charm and humor to balance the serious undertone of the narrative. The script is compelling, capturing the essence of the characters and the story, with a hint of social commentary on the plight of pensioners and the systematic oppression that they often face.

Michael Caine delivers a powerhouse performance portraying the character of Joe, balancing the desperation of his circumstances with an endearing optimism that adds a layer of relatability to his character. Morgan Freeman's portrayal of Willie is laced with gentle humor, vulnerability, and determination, making the audience invest in his odyssey. Alan Arkin does an admirable job offering the blend of dry wit and stubbornness to round off the trio of charming rogue characters.

The chemistry between the three co-stars pervades the narrative, adding to the sensation of camaraderie, nostalgia, and angst within the characters' respective lives. Ann Margret further enhances this ensemble of talents with her role as the quirky love interest, offering nuanced romantic flavor to the film.

While Going in Style operates within the realm of a classic crime-caper and buddy comedy, it is set apart by the touching dynamics of friendship, societal realities, and the audacious resort to crime as a solution by individuals who are offbeat to such an endeavor. The narrative effectively evokes empathy towards the circumstances pushing the three friends towards becoming outlaws, but it also encompasses an admirable sense of adventure, resilience, and justice.

The plot entwines elements of comedy, warmth, heist suspense, and drama and maintains a steady pace that hooks the viewers until the end. Its moments of gravitas and levity are skillfully interwoven within a seamless storyline, preventing it from becoming too somber or frivolous. Structurally, the film does not shy away from embracing clichés and predictable moments but does so with such charm and confidence that it is thoroughly enjoyable.

In its entirety, Going in Style is a touching anecdote wrapped in comedy, with compelling performances from some of cinema's most respected and esteemed actors. It offers more than just mere comic amusement, presenting a spirited narrative that stimulates an examination of society's systemic problems faced by a growing population of senior citizens. Buffeted superbly by an engaging cast, the film is a charming exploration of daring, audacity, and friendship, making it a must-watch for those who enjoy comedy with substance.