The 2017 crime comedy Going in Style is a remake of the original 1979 film, featuring a daring bank heist carried out by desperate elderly men with nothing to lose. The movie explores themes of friendship, adventure, and the lengths people go to improve their financial situations. The story also highlights the struggles faced by senior citizens, presenting a positive narrative on aging and inspiring discussions on social issues while delivering a perfect blend of humor and heartfelt moments. The film was shot entirely in New York, with scenes set in both Queens and Brooklyn. Read more about the film and its iconic Queens locations on queens-trend.
Plot
Three elderly friends—Joe, Willie, and Albert—have shared a lifelong bond. Living paycheck to paycheck, they suddenly find themselves in a dire financial situation after their pension fund is dissolved. On top of this, each faces personal struggles. Their bleak circumstances leave the men frustrated and discontented with their stagnant lives.
One day, Joe tells his friends about a bank robbery he witnessed. Fascinated by the slickness and precision of the criminals, he admires how they collected the money within minutes and vanished without incident. The robbers evaded police and casualties, and authorities were unable to track them down.
Seeing no other options, Joe, Willie, and Albert decide to undertake a similar, daring venture—a bank robbery. Tired of sitting in the same park each day, talking about the same things, and feeding pigeons, they yearn to feel young and alive again. And if they get caught? Well, perhaps that’s not the worst thing for men their age.
Filming Locations in Queens
As mentioned, the movie was filmed in New York. Some notable Queens locations that appear in the film include:
- Goodfellas Diner (Clinton Diner): Now closed, this classic roadside diner, which served as Nat’s Diner in the movie, was located in Maspeth since 1935. Maspeth, a residential and commercial neighborhood, was originally settled by Dutch and English settlers in the early 17th century. During the American Industrial Revolution, Maspeth became an industrial hub, home to factories producing everything from furniture to chemicals. The area features a mix of cozy homes and apartment buildings. The name “Maspeth” is believed to come from a Native American word, mespeatches, meaning “at the bad water place,” possibly referencing nearby polluted waters in Newtown Creek.
- Astoria: This vibrant neighborhood is unmistakable in the film. Known for its international culture and restaurants, particularly Greek and Egyptian establishments, Astoria boasts stunning architecture, beer gardens, music venues, parks, schools, museums, and even its own film studio. Whether for adventurous water skiing on the East River or a quiet escape in serene corners, Astoria has something to offer everyone, from thrill-seekers to locals seeking tranquility.
Iconic Leading Trio
The leading roles are portrayed by Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, and Alan Arkin. These actors, all real-life friends, were able to depict a sincere and authentic friendship on screen. With all three holding Academy Awards, Freeman, Caine, and Arkin brought unparalleled experience to the set.
- Morgan Freeman: This American actor is celebrated not only for his acting skills but also for his work as a director. He made his stage debut on Broadway in 1968. Interestingly, before pursuing acting, Freeman served in the U.S. Air Force for five years. He gained fame in the early 1970s with the children’s TV series The Electric Company and won an Academy Award in 2005 for his role in the sports drama Million Dollar Baby. One of his most memorable performances is as Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding in The Shawshank Redemption, and he displayed exceptional talent as a detective pursuing a serial killer in Se7en.
- Michael Caine: Known for his versatility, this British actor has starred in over 100 films. Caine began his acting career on stage in 1953, making his film debut three years later. He rose to prominence with The Ipcress File, where he played British spy Harry Palmer. Over his career, Caine has proven himself as a versatile actor, playing everything from cynical secret agents to jovial playboys, rugged adventurers to sophisticated gentlemen, humble schoolteachers to mentally troubled villains.
- Alan Arkin: An American actor, director, musician, and singer, Arkin has appeared in around 100 films, including the popular comedy-drama Little Miss Sunshine. Arkin began taking acting classes at the age of 10. Early in his career, he had to supplement his income from theater and television roles by taking on various jobs, such as delivering newspapers, repairing homes, washing dishes, and even babysitting.
Arkin’s first Academy Award nomination was for his role in the Cold War comedy The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming!, in which he played a Soviet lieutenant mistaken for a spy. However, his most famous role is that of Captain John Yossarian in Catch-22, where he portrayed a WWII pilot stationed in the Mediterranean, surrounded by eccentric officers, who is determined to avoid his grim fate.
Fun Facts
- Going in Style was a commercial success, grossing over $85 million worldwide, with $45 million in the U.S. and Canada alone. This was a significant return on its $25 million budget. Additionally, the film received positive reviews from critics, who praised the actors’ performances and the film’s lighthearted nature.
- Some of the best moments in the film were the result of improvised lines from the talented cast. Their spontaneity and chemistry shone through in these unscripted scenes.
- Unlike traditional heist films, Going in Style presents a unique and unconventional plan. The elderly protagonists rely on their wit and experience to pull off the heist in unexpected ways.
- The movie created a buzz on social media, with users sharing quotes and memorable scenes long after its release. The story sparked conversations, especially around financial struggles faced by retirees, and challenged stereotypes about aging by depicting resilience and strength in elderly characters, proving that age is just a number.
Overall, Going in Style is a must-watch for comedy enthusiasts and heist story fans alike. With its star-studded cast, humorous moments, and a fresh take on the heist genre, this film entertains audiences from start to finish.
