Why a modern heist remake traded a tragic ending for a feel-good getaway
In short: The 2017 remake of Going in Style reimagines a classic heist premise for an era of banking distrust. By shifting the narrative from a somber reflection on aging to an upbeat triumph, the film allows its retiree protagonists to outsmart the system and secure their futures against all odds.
Directed by Zach Braff and written by Theodore Melfi, the 2017 film Going in Style serves as a modern update to the 1979 original. The plot centers on three lifelong friends in Brooklyn—Joe, Willie, and Albert—who find their pensions canceled after their company is bought out. Faced with homelessness and terminal illness, the trio decides to rob the very bank that jeopardized their financial security.
The creative direction of the remake was heavily influenced by a desire to resonate with contemporary audiences. Screenwriter Theodore Melfi specifically insisted on changing the ending from the original version. He argued that in the modern era, audiences prefer to see heroes succeed rather than suffer in prison or face tragic ends. By framing the bank as a villain that everyone dislikes, the film turns the heist into a cathartic act of justice, allowing the characters to escape into the sunset with their loot.
Production of the film involved a lengthy development process, beginning with an announcement in October 2012. After various shifts in directorial leadership, including talks with Melfi himself, Zach Braff was eventually brought on to direct. Principal photography commenced in August 2015 across Brooklyn and Queens. The film ultimately proved to be a commercial success, grossing $85.2 million worldwide against a $25 million production budget, comfortably exceeding initial box office projections during its April 2017 release.
Beyond the heist, the film explores themes of loyalty and survival. The trio disguises themselves as the Rat Pack, using blanks to ensure no one is harmed during the robbery. Despite being investigated by FBI Agent Hamer, they manage to evade capture through clever alibis and the discretion of a child witness. The story concludes with the friends celebrating their success, having successfully redistributed their stolen gains to their families and community.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Going in Style (2017 film)
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