Stand Up Guys is
a movie that, once you get past the first 35 minutes of grossness, drama, and
intro, turns into a bag full of laughs and eyebrow-raising scenes. It made me
enjoy watching the movie and even left me wanting more, as the ending is open
for you to fill in the blanks.
The movie stars
two legends, Al Pacino and Christopher Walken, and features an original song by
Jon Bon Jovi. Both actors deliver an expected combination of finesse and
chemistry that you can only get when two veteran actors share the screen. I’ve
been a huge fan of Christopher Walken for a long time, partly because I’ve
never come across an actor who can make me laugh even in a scene as simple as
reading a book. Another reason I love Walken is his versatility—he can play any
role, hero or villain, comic or dramatic, and still deliver a performance that
makes you smile at how well it’s done.
That said, it
doesn’t mean Al Pacino isn’t as good—or, in the eyes of others, even better.
But in this movie, Walken caught my eye. Pacino’s performance, however, is one
that commands respect. My favorite scene is when Pacino ends up in the
emergency room after popping too many Viagra pills—look out for that one.
The movie
follows Val (Pacino), who’s just been released from jail after 28 years for
refusing to rat out his friends, Doc (Walken) and Richard Hirsch (Alan Arkin).
After his release, Val craves excitement and pushes Doc to provide it. Doc does
his best, and their night goes from getting Val laid to breaking into stores,
rescuing a rape victim, busting Richard out of a retirement home, and
outrunning the cops.
Val’s release
also leads to a confession and a funeral.
What Stand
Up Guys offers is great acting. The cinematography isn’t exceptional, but
the screenplay is masterful and captivating. The moment Alan Arkin is
introduced, we get to see some cool driving stunts that make you wonder what
these characters were like in their younger days. Fisher Stevens (Crazy Love,
2007) directed the movie.
It’s a short film, just about 90 minutes long, but I can tell you it’s 90 minutes well spent. I found the movie funny enough to want to watch it again. So, when it’s in cinemas near you, take the time to see it. It’s not a date movie—it’s a guy movie.
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