Stand Up Guys Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Old gangsters try to recapture their youth by stealing cars, doing drugs, and shooting people, all while one has to decide whether to kill the other or not.

🍿 Stand Up Guys: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Val’s Release and Doc’s Dilemma

After serving 28 years, Val (Al Pacino) is released from prison and greeted by his longtime friend Doc (Christopher Walken). Unbeknownst to Val, Doc has been tasked by a ruthless mob boss, Claphands, to kill Val as revenge for the death of Claphands’ son many years ago. Doc is given until 10 a.m. the next day to carry out the hit.

One Last Night of Freedom

Instead of immediately fulfilling his deadly assignment, Doc decides to give Val one last night of freedom. They visit a brothel, steal medication, and reminisce about old times. Val, craving excitement, wants to recapture the feeling of their glory days, unaware of the impending danger.

Rescuing Hirsch and Seeking Revenge

The duo rescue their old getaway driver, Hirsch (Alan Arkin), from a nursing home, adding another member to their aging crew. They find a woman named Sylvia who was kidnapped and abused, and they help her exact revenge on her tormentors. This night of crime and camaraderie blurs the lines of morality and friendship.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Val (Al Pacino): A recently released convict who wants one last night of fun with his friends before potentially facing death.
• Doc (Christopher Walken): Val’s longtime friend who is tasked with killing him but struggles with his loyalty and morality.
• Hirsch (Alan Arkin): An old friend and former wheelman who joins Val and Doc for one final adventure, adding humor and zest to their escapades.
• Claphands (Mark Margolis): A ruthless mob boss who seeks revenge on Val for the death of his son, setting the film’s central conflict in motion.
• Nina Hirsch (Julianna Margulies): Hirsch’s daughter and a hospital nurse who helps the trio bury Hirsch after his death.
• Alex (Addison Timlin): A waitress at Doc’s hangout who happens to be his granddaughter, unknowingly caught in the middle of the impending conflict.
• Sylvia (Vanessa Ferlito): A kidnapped woman rescued by Val, Doc, and Hirsch, seeking revenge on her captors.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Val: “They say we die twice. Once when the breath leaves our body, and once when the last person we know says our name.” – Val reflects on mortality and legacy, highlighting the film’s thematic depth.
• Hirsch: “Hey, Val, it’s like the old days, isn’t it?” – Hirsch nostalgically comments on their reunion and return to their old ways.
• Val: “No! It’s better.” – Val responds, indicating a newfound appreciation for life and friendship.
• Hirsch: “Yeah! Why?” – Hirsch inquires about what makes it better, emphasizing the theme of appreciating the present.
• Val: “Because this time we can appreciate it.” – Val emphasizes that they cherish every moment more now than in their youth.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $3,310,031
• Worldwide Gross: $5,072,654

💥 Stand Up Guys Reviews

Personal Review

I went into *Stand Up Guys* expecting a fun, lighthearted crime comedy and, for the most part, that’s what I got. Watching Pacino, Walken, and Arkin together is a treat, and their chemistry is undeniable. I particularly enjoyed the scene where they break Arkin out of the nursing home – it was hilarious and heartwarming. The ending felt a bit rushed, but overall, it was an enjoyable movie that made me smile.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Al Pacino, Christopher Walken, and Alan Arkin”
  • “Viewers who enjoy crime comedies with a focus on character relationships”
  • “Those looking for a film about aging, friendship, and redemption”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Drug use”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Though Al Pacino, Christopher Walken, and Alan Arkin are undeniably charming, *Stand Up Guys* wastes their talents on a bland and uninspired story about aging criminals.
• RogerEbert.com: “It’s enjoyable to watch these screen legends play off each other, even if the material doesn’t always rise to their level. Pacino is Pacino, Walken is Walken, and Arkin steals every scene he’s in. A fun movie and a solid time to see them on the big screen.
• New York Times: “Despite the star power, *Stand Up Guys* feels surprisingly slight. The plot is predictable, and the humor is often forced, relying on tired jokes about aging and Viagra.

Audience Reactions

The chemistry between Pacino, Walken, and Arkin made the movie genuinely entertaining.: Viewers appreciated the performances of the legendary cast and their comedic timing.

Some enjoyed the dark humor and the way the film dealt with themes of aging and friendship.: Many viewers found the movie heartwarming and appreciated the exploration of the characters’ relationships.

Overall Consensus: *Stand Up Guys* is a decent crime comedy elevated by the performances of its legendary cast, although some viewers found the plot predictable and the humor uneven.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Al Pacino mentioned doing the film because he went broke and had to do movies like Jack and Jill for the money.”
• “The only modern technology in the film is the new car, highlighting the characters’ old-school nature.”
• “Filming locations included the Three Clubs bar in Hollywood.”

🖥️ How to Watch Stand Up Guys?

Stand Up Guys is available for streaming on various platforms, including Prime Video, and can be rented or purchased on Apple TV. Check your local listings for availability as options may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Stand Up Guys, you might like these similar films:

• The Untouchables (1987): Features a similar theme of loyalty and honor among criminals.
• Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969): Shares the buddy-outlaw dynamic and a sense of facing the end of an era.
• Going in Style (2017): Another comedy about aging criminals attempting one last heist.
• The Irishman (2019): Offers a more serious and introspective look at aging gangsters reflecting on their past.

🛒 Stand Up Guys Related Products

• Stand Up Guys [Blu-ray]: Own the movie on Blu-ray to relive the laughs and action. Collector’s edition with behind-the-scenes content.
• Christopher Walken: The Ultimate Collection [DVD]: A box set of Christopher Walken’s most iconic performances. Limited edition featuring exclusive interviews.
• Al Pacino: An Actor’s Vision [Book]: Explore Al Pacino’s extensive movie catalog, acting philosophy and biography with this in-depth guide.
• Mob Boss Figurine: A detailed figurine of a generic mob boss. Limited availability.

🎧 Soundtrack

Stand Up Guys features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Not Running Anymore” – performed by Jon Bon Jovi
• “Hard Times” – performed by Baby Huey

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Stand Up Guys, TV30: GoodGuys

Want to see Al Pacino, Christopher Walken, and Alan Arkin in action? This TV spot for ‘Stand Up Guys’ packs a punch in just 30 seconds. Check it out, it’s a fun little preview of the movie’s comedic vibe!

✨ Rate