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Jan Wahl Movie Review: 'Stand Up Guys'

Christopher Walken, Alan Arkin & Al Pacino
(L-R) Christopher Walken, Alan Arkin & Al Pacino (credit: Roadside Attractions)

 

(KCBS) – KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl reviews "Stand Up Guys," starring Al Pacino, Christopher Walken and Alan Arkin, about the reuniting of a trio of charismatic gangsters.

KCBS Entertainment Reporter Jan Wahl:

Jan Wahl Movie Review: Stand Up Guys

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STAND UP GUYS (R)

From The Godfather to The Sopranos, when gangsters have identifiable personalities, we tend to forgive them. Here, we meet three guys who are seriously committing crimes, and seriously charismatic. They reunite for one long night, each having a different agenda. Al Pacino is finally out of prison after 28 years, and his best friend Christopher Walken is determined to entertain him on his possible last night of his life. Droll Alan Arkin is a colleague they kidnap.

Stand Up Guys- Theatrical Trailer (Official) by RoadsideFlix on YouTube

What makes it work is their unique, relatable, often very funny personalities, with unusually articulate dialogue, and sensitive direction by Fisher Stevens. There is some graphic violence, but it is not gratuitous. Three and a half hats and a special hats off for not being too long.

Three & 1/2 hats.

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Movies To See Right Now: Quartet, Life of Pi, Lincoln, Argo, Les Miserables & Silver Linings Playbook

Home Viewing/DVD: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Bernie, Cabaret (Restored)

You can hear KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl's movie reviews on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM Fridays at 8:53am & 4:53pm.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
 

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