The Old Man with a Gun REPORT CARD

REPORT CARD

OLD MAN WITH A GUN -FOX SEARCHLIGHT

 

SUMMARY: Grade = B	OLD MAN WITH A GUN is a pleasant movie.  It is created in the style of classic films that inhabit TCM.  Solid acting, likable characters  and a familiar story make this film as comfortable as a favorite blanket.
ACTING Grade = A	There are so many talented stars in this movie, it’s hard not to like the acting.  With all of them, they appear effortless and natural.  Waits is especially appealing, as his character has the roughest edges.
SCRIPT Grade = B-	Based on true events, the script plays a bit too smoothly not to think liberties were taken.  The pace is comfortable, never hurrying the viewer.  It has very familiar tomes.  Jack Lemmon, Walter Mathau, Richard Dreyfuss, Burt Reynolds, even Steven Seagal have played aging criminals.  Redford is added to the list, but the script does not give him anything of differentiation.
TECHNICAL: Grade = C	The movie looks grainy.  With today’s technology, it cannot be blamed on poor film stock, nor copy.  There is an extensive amount of close ups and extreme close ups, which is odd, considering the stars’ ages.
IMPRESSIONS:	It was exceptionally nice to watch a film without any of Hollywood’s agendas taking center stage.  It was also nice not to be bombarded with SFX.  The actors were able to shine and run the tale.
STARS	Robert Redford; Sissy Spacek; Danny Glover; Casey Affleck and Tom Waits
TECH FOLKS:	Written & Directed – David Lowery Editor – Lisa Zeno Churgin, ACE Cinematographer – Joe Anderson Production Designer – Scott Kuzio Music – Daniel Hart
RECOMMENDATIONS:	He promised this is his last starring film, so for Redford’s fans, this is a must-see on the big screen.  For everyone else, this movie plays as well on the theater screen as it will on a TV screen.  Whether you see in big or small, definitely see it.  It’s the type of movie to enjoy, no matter what your mood.