The Old Man and the Gun movie review

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 1 hour 33 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B+

IN A NUTSHELL: Mostly based on a true story about Forrest Tucker, this understated movie was written and directed by David Lowery. Robert Redford plays a 70-year-old man who escaped from San Quentin prison and began robbing banks in his old age. Robert Redford is actually 82 years old in real life. What an amazing career he has had. He announced that this is his last movie. I sure hope not. He has also said, “Never say never.”

The Old Man & The Gun was originally a series of short crime stories by David Grann. This film is an easy-flowing story where we get to watch Robert Redford’s effortless charm and legendary smile. The lovely Sissy Spacek complements him well.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

As charming as the old men are, you have to remind your kids that they are criminals and that robbing banks is bad!
Kids will probably be bored.
Some profanity.

THEMES:

Mortality and reflection on one’s life
Persistence
“I think you gotta keep on keepin on, just living your life, trying new things, you just gotta keep on pushin.” – Jewel (Sissy Spacek)
Old habits die hard…Some say people never change. What do YOU think?

THINGS I LIKED:

The sequence that showed Forrest Tucker breaking out of jail 16 times was pretty funny. We even get to see an old video clip of Robert Redford when he was young.
It is easy to see the comparison between Forrest’s love of his chosen craft (robbing banks) and Robert Redford’s love his craft (movie-making).
The screen lights up every time Robert Redford smiles.
It’s a very simple story without a lot of fanfare and zero special effects. Kind of a breath of fresh air.
Casey Affleck did a great job too.
It’s always fun to see Danny Glover, even though he wasn’t on screen very much.
The thrill of the chase was experienced by both Forrest Tucker and John Hunt. The light-hearted relationship between those two reminded me of the cat and mouse relationship in the movie Catch Me If You Can
Nice musical score by Daniel Hart.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Some viewers will want something more to happen.
It’s slow-moving.
Some characters have one scene and then disappear.
A small amount of humor.

FUNNY LINES:
* “You did what he said because he said he had a gun?” – Cop

“Yeah, and also he was a gentleman.” – bank manager

“Got any kids?” – Jewel

“I hope not.” – Forrest

INTERESTING LINES:

“Ten-year-old you may have hopes and dreams, but he doesn’t understand time or the world like you do.” – Jewel
“They haven’t gotten away with it. They just haven’t been caught yet.” – John Hunt (Casey Affleck)
‘I’m not talking about making a living. I’m talking about living.” – cop quoting what Forrest said to him many years ago after being caught.

Some of my favorite Robert Redford movies:

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid