Old pros save mob yarn from itself

2013-02-01 00:00:00

There's a comfortable class-reunion vibe to the gangland comedy “Stand Up Guys.” That's because pretty much everyone reprises roles they've played to perfection before.

You've got Christopher Walken spot-on as Doc, a complicated, laconic hit man. Here's Al Pacino gleefully desecrating his Scarface roles as Val, a batty, cartoonish and more over-the-top-than-usual bank robber. Alan Arkin rounds out the crew as Hirsch, another grumblesome lion in winter, this time a retired getaway driver growling for one final fling. The casting gives us three men on base even before Julianna Margulies appears as a kindhearted hospital nurse, “Breaking Bad's” Mark Margolis plays a murderous villain and Lucy Punch, comedy's go-to harlot, pops up as a ditzy hooker.

What could go wrong? Not much, if you're in the agreeable mood this enjoyable film aims to kindle. The story template is comfortably familiar, a mob variant on “The Last Detail.”


There's nothing groundbreaking in the way the story unfolds. There's a damsel to be rescued, dishonorable younger thugs to be taught respect, a hot muscle car to be red-lined through cop chases, and if you don't see the Viagra jokes coming a mile away, check your bifocals. It's unassuming stuff, directed with workman-like diligence by longtime character actor Fisher Stevens. He knows he doesn't have to get fancy with actors the caliber of Pacino, Walken and Arkin. Just turn on the camera and turn them loose.



I can't argue that performers the stature of Pacino, Walken and Arkin don't deserve better material, yet it's so nice to have them onscreen together I'm in no mood to quibble.

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