Saturday, February 9, 2013

Stand Up Guys

Went in blind to this one, lured by the cast, became worried after viewing a preview for Red 2, but then the laid-back unpretentious low-key credits and accompanying music brought upon feelings of relief, illuminated by Doc's (Christopher Walken) artwork, reminding me of those from Barfly and Pulp Fiction, for some unknown reason.

Was still worried that the film may be too status quo having been let down by similarly cast movies in the past, but wow, my worries faded quickly as I discovered that in the twilights of their careers, Christopher Walken, Al Pacino (Val), and Alan Arkin (Hirsch) were taking on grizzled rambunctious radioactive roles with hardly any inkling of sanitary preconditioning, they just thought it up and did it, ironically reincarnating the precocious spirit that likely lead to them becoming Hollywood mainstays in the first place.

Challenge. Acceptance. Realization.

That description applies more directly to Al Pacino who plays the most dynamic part but Walken and Arkin also get the job done.

The film explores a pyrotechnic variability while slowly excavating poignant distinct clarifications.

Hirsch's introduction escalates a seismic shift after which malfeasancient minerals are mercantilized.

It's funny.

Director Fisher Stevens knows how to make you laugh by encouraging specific nondescript awkward facial expressions or juxtaposing a hardened con with his choice of tasty treats.

Economic matters are classified while its joie de vivre is liquidated.

And family and friendship find frenzied filial refinements in the final moments.

Plus, these guys have a potent response for the coercive rapacious scum found in Kim Nguyen's Rebelle.

Volatile, chill, and collaborative.

On the record.

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