Customer Reviews

Going in Style [VHS]

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Pretty much overlooked when it came out in 1979, this film is a rare gem. George Burns, Art Carney and Lee Strasberg play three retirees sharing a house in Queens. Bored and bitter, Joe (Burns) talks Al and Willie (Carney and Strasberg) into going in on a bank robbery. The three get a real buzz out of pulling off the job, the only excitement they've had in years. But what seems to have been the perfect crime soon begins to have tragic consequences. When Willie dies from a heart attack, Joe and Al take off for Vegas where they wind up getting into a once in a lifetime crap game. This excursion then takes on tragic consequences of its own, leading up to a bittersweet ending. While all three of the leads are terrific, it is really Burns who carries the film. I believe this to be his best film work. For those who have always felt that a little bit of George goes a long way, you should check this film out to see what a truly remarkable acting talent he could be when given the material. His work here is totally devoid of the "cuteness" that marked a lot of the films he was in such as "Oh, God!" A truly Oscar-worthy performance. One wonders what the atmosphere on the set must have been like with Burns and Carney, two masters of schtick, and Strasberg, the father of modern method acting. Whatever the chemistry, it definitely shows up on screen.

A trio of elderly retirees (George Burns, Art Carney, and Lee Strasberg), who live together in a New York apartment, decide to escape the deadly tedium of their waning years by robbing a bank. They complete the job successfully, but find that life goes on and a little bit of cash doesn't change everything. Director/writer Martin Brest and his talented cast avoid the easy road of aiming for a riotous comedy about some cute old men who break the law. These are fully developed characters, and there are some moments of powerful acting as the story takes these men to some very dark places. Those who think of Burns and Carney as the epitome of old-time jokey vaudeville-style humor may be surprised by their understated and effective performances. Of course, Strasberg, the father of method acting, is reliably superb. There is real joy in this film as well. The scenes in which the three old friends seem to come alive again during a day spent in the city preparing for their bank job and a later one in Las Vegas are wonderful and feature very good acting. Recommended./

A very touching comedy/drama with three men looking to find some excitement in their idle twilight years. Just wish a soundtrack would have been put out as the music is fabulous.

"Going In Style" is one of those rare movies that has a clever concept as well as a character-driven story. Burns, Carney, and Strasberg all give fine performances as three retirees who decide to spice up their dull lives by robbing a bank.

This film proves that youngsters can enjoy a movie about oldsters when the characters in it try to find a way to feel young again.

The DVD also has interviews with Art Carney and George Burns on the Dinah Shore show, which is very funny. I would have liked to see more features, though, like commentary by writer/director Martin Brest. Otherwise, a great caper movie for the young and young at heart.

If you like the best actors this country has seen and will probably not see again--vetran talent--see Going in Style. I remember it from when it came out over twenty years ago--I have not stopped laughing yet. It is the film that made me laugh the hardest--Carney, Burns and Strausberg are gone--but their legends live on in this great work.

Saw this movie when it was new in theaters, in 1980, and just had to own it. It doesn't get much better than Art Carney, Lee Strasberg and George Burns in a good story, with absolutely no special effects or computer generated images. This story is also a reminder of how much simpler movie making was 30 years ago. Love the ending.

I remember watching george burns, oh god you devil and book two when it played on HBO back when I was a kid in the 80's. Just caught this on netflix loved it. aprreciate him more and more.

I really liked this movie. It had a great cast and a memorable storyline. With all due respect to the lead actors, the film looks like something the Three Stooges might have done later in their career had Larry's health not taken a turn for the worse. Seriously, I can easily picture them doing a movie out of character, tackling the woes common to many senior citizens. I view "Going In Style" as a sort of "what if..." kind of film, but it stands up just fine on it's own merits. I gave it 4 stars.

Well this one is a keeper. 3 elderly gentlemen are bored and decide to stick up a bank. Tremendous performances from the 3 legends Burns, Carney and Strassberg.


A must have, go pick it up its fantastic.

Excellent movie with a great cast. It tell aq great story and interesting problem