Review of Stand Up Guys (2012) by Anthony S — 27 Jan 2013

An oddball, this one: less aimless than meandering, and all the more enjoyable because of it. Pacino inhabits a pitiful sad sack of a crook (Val) who, as the film opens, is released after serving 28 years for a heist gone wrong (and for not opening his mouth).

There to receive him is Doc (Walken), who offers a modest place to stay (and also has the unwanted assignment to kill his old friend). The film follows the pair (and for a brief time, Arkin's character) through day, night and into the wee hours.

There's not much of a conventional plot here, but in its repeated visits to a diner and brothel, Stand Up guys captures the nocturnal vibe. Just when it veers into old-man pathos, the film rights itself with some weirdo humor.