Stand Up Guys doesn’t really have much going for it except for Al Pacino, Christopher Walken and Alan Arkin playing old mobsters, but that’s enough for a good time at the movies. The premise is that a gangster (Pacino) is released from prison after taking a 28-year fall for his colleagues. He is picked up by his buddy (Walken), who both men know has been ordered to execute the newly released man. Along the way, they “rescue” their getaway driver (Arkin) from his convalescent home and have a series of adventures. The adventures themselves don’t matter. It’s all really about these old men – all adrenaline junkies in their youth – getting a chance for one more surge of excitement and mastery. Pacino’s Val gets to ask for what must be the hundredth time “Are we gonna kick ass or chew gum?”, knowing that Walken’s Doc will once again reply, “I’m all outta gum”.
Pacino, Walken and Arkin each deliver rich characterizations. Pacino’s Val, despite his creakiness, has 28 years of pent-up energy and a determination to party before he gets whacked. Walken’s Doc has adjusted to the pace of retirement; he’s not looking for adventure, but just to show Val a good time with sad obligation. Arkin’s Hirsch already has a foot in the grave, but still possesses some impressive skills. The young actress Addison Timlin brings a charisma to what could have been a generic role; she is in four more movies this year, and she’s worth watching out for.