Friday, February 8, 2013

Stand Up Guys (2013)

Year: 2013
Director: Fisher Stevens
Cast: Al Pacino, Christopher Walken, Alan Arkin
Country of Origin: U.S.
Rating: R
Time: 95 mins

It is crystal clear that even by the trailer of Stand Up Guys, that the film is not going to be that great. But in the midst of the mouthful of horrible films coming out during the oscar season, watching Stand Up Guys starring Christopher Walken, Al Pacino, and Alan Arkin have their last night of hooray isn't so bad. (or have my standards gotten low?)

Val (Al Pacino) is released from prison after serving a whooping twenty eight year sentence for taking the bait and not squealing on his gangster associates (hence, stand up guy). His best friend Doc, played by the ever so free-spirited and lovable Christopher Walken, picks Val up to rekindle and reminisce about their glory days. But the same gangsters that sent Val to jail, has assigned Doc to kill Val before the night is over. Consumed with confliction, Doc decides to give Val the best night of his life with some booze, sex, robberies, car-chases and of course, gun-fights! 

There are just some actors like Bill Murray, Christopher Walken, Brad Pitt, and Bruce Willis to name a few, that don't need to necessary shell out great movies left and right. Just the accompaniment of their presence among other great actors is enough to give a girl a thrill. Al Pacino is at his best when he is the sleazy and uninhibited old man who is ready to party hardy with some prescription drugs and hookers. Pacino and the suave yet aloof Walken makes for a wonderfully entertaining pair, who nostalgically reflects on their their hood rat days of breaking into stores, stealing cars, and hooking up with babes. While it is a pint full of light-hearted amusement, the party really starts when they break their old pal Hirsch (Alan Arkin) out from the retirement home. Back in the old days, Hirsch was the Michael Jordan of stealing and driving cars. Whether he is outrunning the cops or making the honeys swoon, Arkin creates a perfect harmony to complete the dynamic of the trio. Stand Up Guys is Fisher Stevens' debut feature film and it shows. The actor turned filmmaker is best well known (to me) as that annoying guy on television even though I don't specifically remember him in anything. While the film isn't fantastic, it still pumps enough chuckles and pleasure that'll cater to your mindless enjoyment and give you the vacation you desperately need from the Oscar films. B-