"Stand Up Guys" has some good moments but few surprises
Much like their movie characters, Oscar-winning actors Al Pacino. Alan Arkin and Christopher Walken are truly stand up guys in that they can be trusted to entertain. In spite of a few good moments and some decent one-liners, "Stand Up Guys" is an unoriginal, contrived film you've seen over and over the last twenty years: old codgers getting together for one last hurrah before their time is up. Val (Pacino) is released from prison after serving twenty-eight years for refusing to give up one of his close criminal associates. His best friend Doc (Walken) is there to pick him up, and the two soon re-team with another old pal, Hirsch (Arkin). But they also find themselves involved in a dangerous situation that could forever altar the bond between the pals. Directed by actor Fisher Stevens, it's a mediocre, thin effort with a script that's creakier than the charming yet codgy trio. Except for Walken's character, little backstory or insight is given into these cardboard cutouts; Arkin's role is surprisingly secondary and smallish, really it's mostly Walken and Pacino throwing out some fun one-liners, and admittedly they do so with panache. The ending can be seen coming from a mile away too, so you won't be surprised from director's Stevens' nod to "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." It also wastes a fine actress in "The Good Wife's" Julianna Marguilies, and she's given little to do but be a pretty face admidst these veteran actors. "Stand Up Guys" pulls what punches it can given these guys ages, but you won't find many surprises. If you're fans of Pacino, Walken and Arkin, you might enjoy it, but otherwise this is a surprisingly disappointing effort given the talent.
Wes's Grade: C+
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