Written and Directed by: Martin Brest

BBD Comments:

Nubs, man, you still got it...

 

Not only is this the perfect follow up to ‘Benjamin Buttons,’ nor merely a sneaky reflection on your previous Pick ‘The Silent Partner,’ or simply a lovely apology for ‘Vision Quest,’ this is simply one of my favorite Picks of all time.

 

As with all great Picks, it is the last thing you’d expect to be watching but by the end the only thing that would have scratched the itch.

 

This is a beautiful and simple story. It is told almost effortlessly and is moving without a hint of pander (I’m looking at you, ‘Benjamin Button.’) Thanks for bringing these three greats into our Canon. I said it last night and I’ll stand by it - if this had been our first Pick ever - we would still be standing here 151 Picks later.

Congrats on your first Slam Dunk of the New Year!

Onwards!

Brandon Comments:

In my opinion, no one – and I mean NO ONE – has EVER followed a Selection as well as Nubs did tonight. Aside from what one thinks about ‘Benjamin Buttons,’ the follow-up film of ‘Going in Style’ was dead-on, symbolic, sharp, well-themed, more than simply enjoyable, and a perfect “theme sequel” to Tooda’s Selection from the previous week.

 

From the first scene of the three old-timers sitting on the park bench, I kinda knew that ‘Going in Style’ was going to be good. Especially once you hear George Burns say “shit” and then scare the crap out of a little kid. I was engrossed in the film; I laughed repeatedly; I was very saddened when Carney and Strasberg passed away…even getting a little teary eyed; and I now have a newfound adoration for George Burns. And Nubs brought out all this emotion and adulation in me without breaking any of our By-Laws!

 

Even though I was only allowed one bottle of wine last night because I was driving, it was a great night to be outdoors with the Crew. It was one of those warm, lightly windy Santa Ana nights that made you not only appreciate living in Los Angeles, but also made you appreciate belonging to a tight-knit organization like MovieNight. Netti missed out on a gem.

 

Nubs, if there’s a Slam Dunk award for “Best Follow-Up Category,” then you sealed the deal and won hands-down.

SELECTOR Comments:

‘Going in Style’ was my riskiest Pick to date, and therefore perhaps my most rewarding. As  I admitted to  the small but supportive audience that eve, I had not seen this geriatric gem in 20 plus years in the early days of cable, and like our heroes, had trouble recalling any of it.  It seemed fitting however, following the curious case of Ben’s Pick to go blindly and boldly with my instincts into the Movienight abyss. I am glad I did because it was just as much fun to experience this movie all over again like I was a spry young man (if you count spending hours upon hours with the early cable box as spry).

As I joke about my pathetic childhood that rewarded me with an impressive repertoire of unknown perfect  Movienight Picks, I realize the brilliance behind the opening scene of the film.  As Joe (George Burns) looks into the chubby, blank face of the boy challenging him in the park he and we realize the theme of the movie;  youth is wasted on the young. It is an important theme to be reminded of at any age, any time of year, or any number Pick of Movienight.

I have no idea who Martin Breast is but what a brilliant job directing this ultra-naturalistic, slice of life.  The pace and camera work is so deliberate and patient that it allows us to get into the prison-like life of a retired, senior-citizen. After the first 5 minutes we are ready to jump at any idea Joe sells us on no matter how ludicrous or dangerous.

Not many of us know Art Carney’s work outside of The Honeymooners. Very few of us are familiar with Lee Strasberg’s acting other than his students and similar role dying as Hyman Roth. Almost all of us think as George Burns as ‘Oh, God.’  I was not only blown away to see all of their work in this but yearned to have been on that set and absorb some wisdom from true pros.

Movienight is now over 3 years old and 150 picks wiser.  With my recent hernia, Johnny G's kidney stones, and Slim complaining about the government taking all his money some could say Movienight has reached our golden years. With this Pick I hope to say kick up your heels, have some onion on your hotdog, our best may indeed be yet to come.

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