Going in Style

In the wake of the 2008 recession, bankers and banks have become popular cinematic villains. Here, three Brooklyn-based seniors suddenly realize that—thanks to a nefarious bank—they are going to be broke and homeless. Joe (Michael Caine) comes up with the idea of an armed robbery after conferring with a sleazy Williamsburg Savings Bank manager (Josh Pais) about his adjustable mortgage that has suddenly tripled, which threatens Joe, his divorced daughter, and his granddaughter with foreclosure and eviction. Along with longtime friends Willie (Morgan Freeman) and Al (Alan Arkin), Joe discovers that the steel company where they've worked for years has outsourced operations to Vietnam and their pensions will be confiscated by the same Williamsburg bank. Suffering renal failure, Willie needs a kidney transplant, and cantankerous Al, a jazz saxophonist, is tired of teaching music to talentless kids, including the son of a saucy grocery store clerk (Ann-Margret). Watching Dog Day Afternoon as a cautionary tale, they also seek advice from a professional thief (John Ortiz). After several trial runs, they work out watertight alibis and disguise themselves in rubber masks depicting the Rat Pack (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.), unaware that along the way, they've aroused the suspicions of an FBI agent (Matt Dillon). Directed by Zach Braff, this crime caper is a remake of Martin Brest's superior 1979 movie, which starred George Burns, Art Carney, and Lee Strasberg. A mildly amusing slapstick comedy, full of scrappy banter, this is a strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Zach Braff, and deleted scenes (13 min.). Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are bonus DVD and digital copies of the film. Bottom line: a decent extras package for a so-so remake.] (S. Granger)