Today’s quick review: Stand Up Guys. After twenty-eight years in prison, Val (Al Pacino) is ready for some action. His best friend and partner in crime, Doc (Christopher Walken), takes him out for a night on the town to celebrate his release. But Val still has one enemy left from the old days, a crime boss named Claphands (Mark Margolis) who wants revenge. Claphands forces Doc to make a painful choice: kill Val by morning or forfeit his own life.
Stand Up Guys is a crime drama and comedy about a pair of aging criminals intent on reclaiming their glory days. Stand Up Guys follows Val and Doc on their big night out, a winding romp full of food, sex, and spur-of-the-moment crime. The movie aims to split the difference between life-affirming comedy and weighty drama. However, it lacks the skill to make either side of the story truly shine, leaving it a mediocre whole with some good pieces.
Stand Up Guys’ chief draw is its cast. Al Pacino and Christopher Walken star as a pair of aging criminals with a sunny outlook on life and an easy sense of camaraderie. Their dynamic is at the heart of the movie and pulls its weight comedically and dramatically. Unfortunately, the movie struggles to give them much to do. Their antics only really shine when they’re joined by Hirsch (Alan Arkin), an old friend who steals every scene he’s in.
Stand Up Guys has a handful of other issues that hold it back. The humor tends to be more raunchy than overtly funny, especially early on in the film. There are a few touching moments between Val and Doc, but they’re inconsistent and hurt by the unrepentantly criminal nature of both characters. In general, the movie has good ideas but lacks the consistency to follow through on them. The premise and cast have potential, but the execution is mixed.
Watch Stand Up Guys if you’re looking for a grab bag of dirty comedy, casual crime, and sentimentality. Its cast and a couple of nice story beats are enough to make it a worthwhile watch for those interested. But its flaws are severe enough that anyone looking for Al Pacino or Christopher Walken at their best will want to keep looking. Steer clear if you’re looking for something more wholesome.
For a more uplifting comedy about aging criminals, try Going in Style or The Maiden Heist. For Al Pacino in a similar role, try Donnie Brasco. For a darkly comedic use of Christopher Walken, try Suicide Kings.
6.5 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it the same for a talented cast and good character dynamics, held back by tonal issues and a mediocre plot.