There is a specific, comforting alchemy that occurs when Hollywood gathers a trio of aging legends for a late-career romp. It is a formula designed for warmth, nostalgia, and the kind of effortless charisma that only comes with decades of screen time. For many viewers currently scrolling through their queues, Morgan Freeman’s star-studded heist movie on Netflix, the 2017 version of Going in Style, appears to be exactly that: a safe, cozy bet featuring Freeman, Michael Caine, and Alan Arkin.
Yet, for those who track the evolution of the crime-comedy, the 2017 film often feels like a missed opportunity. Even as it boasts a powerhouse cast and a polished aesthetic, it exists in the shadow of a much leaner, more subversive predecessor. The original 1979 Going in Style didn’t rely on the tropes of the “underdog” or the “wronged citizen”; it relied on the sheer, existential boredom of old age.
The contrast between the two films reveals a broader shift in how cinema treats the elderly. Where the original was a bittersweet character study about the desperation for one last spark of life, the remake is a sanitized, feel-good fable. For the modern viewer, the 2017 film is an easy watch, but the 1979 original is the one that actually lingers.
The 2017 Remake: A Polished Underdog Tale
Directed by Zach Braff and written by Theodore Melfi—who also helmed the Bill Murray vehicle St. Vincent—the 2017 iteration of Going in Style transforms the heist into a mission of social justice. The plot centers on three retirees who find themselves pushed to the brink after their employer eliminates their pensions. In a classic “rob the robbers” setup, they decide to stick up the corporate bank responsible for their financial ruin.
To heighten the emotional stakes, the script adds layers of personal tragedy. Morgan Freeman’s character is faced with imminent kidney failure, creating a ticking clock that demands a financial windfall for a transplant. Meanwhile, Michael Caine’s character is inspired to commit the crime after witnessing a robbery firsthand. The result is a film that feels less like a daring caper and more like a Hallmark movie with a bank vault.
Visually, Braff presents a version of Brooklyn that is almost too clean—an immaculate, commercialized backdrop that strips away the grit of the city. The protagonists are portrayed as “dotty” and clumsy, leading to scenes like a botched shoplifting attempt that serves as a “warm-up” for the main event. While the film was a commercial success upon its theatrical release in 2017, critics often noted its lack of comedic invention.
The 1979 Original: A Study in Boredom and Regret
Long before he became a titan of the action-comedy genre with hits like Beverly Hills Cop and Midnight Run, director Martin Brest delivered the original Going in Style in 1979. This version is a fundamentally different animal. Rather than focusing on corporate greed, Brest focuses on the quiet desperation of three law-abiding seniors—played by George Burns, Art Carney, and Lee Strasberg—who spend their days on a Queens park bench.
The impetus for the crime isn’t a lost pension; it’s simply that they are bored. They decide to rob a bank because it is the only thing left that feels like an adventure. This shift in motivation makes the film a character study rather than a plot-driven caper. There is a raw, grounded sensitivity to the way Brest handles the trio, treating their mischief not as a punchline, but as a rebellion against the invisibility of old age.
The ending of the 1979 film is where the two versions diverge most sharply. While the Netflix remake ends with a tidy, happy resolution where the heroes get away with the money and “world peace is achieved,” the original is unapologetically bittersweet. One friend dies shortly after the heist, another enjoys one final night of luxury in Las Vegas before surrendering, and the sole survivor faces a prison sentence he will likely not survive. It is a poignant reminder that while the heist provides a temporary thrill, time remains the only enemy that cannot be outsmarted.
Comparing the Two Eras of ‘Going in Style’
| Feature | 1979 Original | 2017 Remake |
|---|---|---|
| Director | Martin Brest | Zach Braff |
| Primary Cast | George Burns, Art Carney, Lee Strasberg | Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Alan Arkin |
| Motivation | Existential boredom/Adventure | Lost pensions/Medical emergency |
| Tone | Bittersweet character study | Feel-good underdog comedy |
| Ending | Tragic/Realistic | Optimistic/Tidy |
Why the Original Still Matters
In the current streaming landscape, it is easy for a film like the 2017 Going in Style to fly under the radar. It fits perfectly into the “background noise” category of cinema—pleasant, well-acted, but ultimately disposable. The original, however, remains a blueprint for the “senior caper” genre, though few filmmakers have matched its texture. Most subsequent movies in this vein rely on the shock value of elderly characters cursing or performing physical slapstick, missing the emotional core that Brest captured.
The 1979 film understands that the real tragedy of aging isn’t just the loss of money or health, but the loss of relevance. By allowing its characters to be rank amateurs who actually succeed in their crime, the film validates their existence. The subsequent fallout—the death, the prison, the regret—only serves to make the brief moment of victory more meaningful.
For those looking to explore this theme, the 2017 version remains available on Netflix, offering a lighthearted evening of entertainment. However, for a more profound experience, the original 1979 film is available to rent via Prime Video and Apple TV. Choosing between them depends entirely on whether you want a hug or a heartache.
As Netflix continues to rotate its library of legacy titles and remakes, the visibility of these “forgotten” gems often depends on the curiosity of the viewer. Whether you prefer the polished charm of the 2017 trio or the gritty realism of the 1979 legends, both films offer a window into the enduring appeal of the one last job.
Do you prefer the bittersweet realism of the original or the feel-good energy of the remake? Let us know in the comments or share this article with your favorite movie buff.
