Today’s quick review: The Old Man & the Gun. Forrest Tucker (Robert Redford) is an elderly bank robber with an unusual modus operandi, robbing banks with just a polite smile and the glimpse of a gun. His string of robberies soon catches the attention of John Hunt (Casey Affleck), a Texas police officer and family man. At the same time, Tucker pursues a romance with Jewel (Sissy Spacek), a widow who might convince him to settle down for good.
The Old Man & the Gun is a soft-spoken crime comedy that’s based on a true story. Robert Redford stars as Forrest Tucker, a polite criminal who lives for the thrill of robbing banks. Late in his career, Tucker faces a choice: keep robbing banks and risk getting caught by Hunt, or give up his profession and make a new life with Jewel. The Old Man & the Gun uses these building blocks to craft an enjoyable story about living well and old age.
The Old Man & the Gun is a throwback to a gentler era of cinema. The film has almost no violence, a sprinkling of action, and only one instance of swearing. The story itself is a low-stakes confrontation between a bank robber who never hurts anyone and a police officer who isn’t sure that he wants to catch him. The film’s light tone works to its advantage, making its characters all the more likable and keeping its story optimistic throughout.
Where The Old Man & the Gun spends the most effort is developing its characters. The movie acts as a character portrait for Forrest Tucker, a gentlemanly robber who’s hard not to like. His motivations are simple, but just unusual enough to be interesting. Jewel matches him well, an older woman who helps him take joy in life. The lead trio is rounded out by John Hunt, a sympathetic cop who finally finds in Tucker a case worth caring about.
Watch The Old Man & the Gun when you’re in the mood for a light, heartwarming tale with a dash of mischief. What the film lacks in plot, it more than makes up for in character. Skip it if you’re looking for thrills, high drama, or anything resembling modern action. For a light crime caper with an older cast, check out The Maiden Heist or either version of Going in Style. For a more bittersweet comedy about old age, check out The Bucket List.
7.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for a charming story and strong acting.