The Old Man And The Gun

Finally, after 58 years in the limelight, Hollywood legend Robert Redford fades off into the sunset, leaving fans with this small crime comedy which is an appropriate and respectable farewell.

Set in the early 1980s and based on ‘mostly true events’ the film centers on aging career criminal and prison escape artist Forrest Tucker, who reportedly escaped from jail 16 times and robbed banks not for monetary gains, but because he enjoyed doing the bad deed. Together with his elderly two mates they were known as the ‘over the hill gang’ and were more experienced at robbing banks than the detectives were in catching them.

A new criminal emerged. He was charming, funny, calm and described by one of the bank tellers he robbed as “very polite, he seemed like a fine enough gentleman”.

Redford adds class to the role and shares a likable chemistry with Sissy Spacek who plays his love interest. Audiences will warm to Redford’s portrayal of Tucker, whose crimes are seemingly downsized and possibly glorified.

Was he a bad guy? Could he shake the urge to continue robbing banks? Audiences will enjoy the humorous and addictive ride and secretly hope that he doesn’t get caught. (MMo)

★★★ ½