In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

An old adage says, "There's a little bit of larceny in all of us." Judging from most of the 27 reviews posted before this one, it must be true. Like most others, I pull for the three old-timers in this film to be able to get away with their heist. "Going in Style" is billed as a comedy, crime and drama. Most of the comments are on the comedy, so no more needs to be said about that. Only a few people weighed in on the serious side of this film - and it has a serious side, clearly. This differs greatly from the genre of crime capers. A bank or any other stick up is not a laughing matter. They pulled an armed robbery. The fact that no one in the bank initially took them seriously seemed an effort to play down the dark side of the film. But when Joe fires a shot from his gun that smashes a clock, it puts fear into the bank staff and clients. Earlier in the film, Joe says, "A stick-up guy I used to know a long time ago told me that the most important thing is to put fear into everybody right away." Then, Willie asks at one point, "What if we get shot?" Already, this heist for the excitement of it was on the edge of violence. People who have experienced or had family or friends experience violence - in any and many forms, don't soon forget the fear and sense of helplessness. So, Joe, Al and Willie are having an adrenalin rush with a little excitement at the expense of several dozen people likely fearing for their lives. These three senior citizens probably go back together a long time - maybe to childhood or a neighborhood. So, they are friends and they live together. Willie was a taxi driver most of his life, and he lost a son by the son's 21st birthday. Al was a bartender, and apparently had some other jobs. I don't think the film ever gives a hint of what Joe had done for a living. They all know Al's nephew, Pete and his wife, Kathy; and that couple seems to know Al's friends quite well. We know nothing else about their marriages, spouses or families. The implication is that they didn't have families, except for Willie in the past, or if they did, there are no surviving spouses or children. So, two of the three never had responsibility for others. Now the three of them live off their social security, which they pool for their apartment, food and living expenses. But they're not poor or destitute. Joe says it would be nice to have more money so they could travel or go somewhere exotic. But he really wants to pull a stick-up because he is bored with life. And, with what the film shows of their daily routine, one can surely understand the boredom. And that's part of the sad aspect of this film.Why did they just go every day to a boardwalk or park and do nothing else? They had no hobbies, and did nothing at all to have fun or enjoyment. Al showed a little spunk for life which probably came from his visits with Pete and his family, including a couple of grandkids. These guys didn't even play checkers, dominoes or cards. They didn't read. They had no other hobbies, no other place where they hung out with other people. They didn't volunteer any place and had no other interests. And, that's why they were bored. Compare these three guys, city-bred and living all their lives, mostly without family, with John Gustafson (Jack Lemmon) and Max Goldman (Walter Matthau) in "Grumpy Old Men" of 1993. Even as friendly enemies in retirement and old age, they had friends, some family, and interests with things to do. As others noted, the acting by all of the cast in this film is good. George Burns, Art Carney and Lee Strasberg are really old-timers. But the mostly dark-sided comedy of "Going in Style" is diminished by the sad state of the three old-timers. That makes this film more of a tragedy than anything else. In spite of Joe's wink to Pete at the end as Joe is led back into his prison cell, it's never right to pull an armed robbery. Nor does an end justify any means. Unfortunately, this film seems to send the opposite message.

What makes this movie so great is that it uses no gimmicks, cheap thrills, or other silly plot devices to keep the audience's attention. There are no explosions nor is there nudity or "shock" humor. This movie relies entirely on a great plot and great acting. The story is grounded by the fact that the three principle actors behave exactly the way elderly men do. Even the occasional cuss word is perfectly placed. Althougn the movie is almost 40 years old, it holds up very well. This movie has its funny moments, but is not really a comedy. Rather it is a blend of it all. Easily the most touching moment is when George Burns is looking through old photos of his deceased wife. The photos were of his actual deceased wife, Gracie Allen, and for a moment the fourth wall is unofficially crossed as Burns shows the audience his very genuine grief.This movie woild be especially good for children to watch, as it shows genuine respect for the elderly, but also teaches the challenges of aging.

The depiction of daily life in an apartment shared by elderly men on Social Security, in a city park filled with children playing on structures covered with graffiti and the streets and subways make this an American classic. Boredom and low expectations had become a part of life in the New York/New Jersey urban area for the characters in the film as well as for the era in the 70's, and this is the background depicted in every scene of "Going in Style." The plot has a couple of minor holes, the only one worth mentioning is that there's really no indication at all as to how the police figured out who to pursue, but the foundation of this film is the absolutely remarkable performance by George Burns, who proved that he was not only a comedian and a beloved personality but a true actor. His performance is deeply emotional and entirely convincing. It really is a masterful performance in every way. He had won an Oscar for the not so good "The Sunshine Boys," so the Academy voters had likely figured that he had already been honored, but surely he should have been handed another Oscar for "Going in Style." This film is a must-see.

Amy Adams from Junebug. Catch Me if You Can. Talladega Nights, etc. is a dead ringer for the uncredited little girl. She was born in 74 and Going in Style came out in 79. Anyone know if that's her in this movie?Interesting that such a nice natural adorable performance, just her playing with her Uncle Art Carney wouldn't be credited. As far as the movie it's suppose to be a comedy, it's more a character study of the type I don't think could be made by Hollywood today. George Burns has the charisma in this though. I really don't get the point, getting old sucks, rob a bank to feel alive? There really is no moral, except the people who are surprised that some old guys are really robbing the place. Going is Style is elgaic, and Burns the lone survivor isn't moping around at the end, he's happy being in prison, resigned to his fate.