By Robert Yaniz Jr.

DAY 1 OF THE 2018 HOLIDAY BINGE

Robert Redford coasts on his charms in a breezy but slight cinematic swan song.

THE HYPE

Robert Redford is a very charming man. This much is clear to anyone who’s seen him pop up in a film over the last several decades, even when he’s butting heads with Captain America. And it’s this charisma that is the centerpiece of The Old Man and the Gun. Prior to its release, the film made headlines for Redford’s proclamation that the film — which reunites the actor with his Pete’s Dragon director David Lowery — would mark his last role before retiring from acting. But is it a fitting farewell?

THE STORY

In some ways, yes. The Old Man and the Gun recounts the real-life story of senior citizen/master bank robber Forrest Tucker, and Redford relishes the chance to delve into his experience playing such roguish characters (the film plays almost like a spiritual successor to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid). After yet another successful heist, Forrest catches the attention of both a charming cowgirl (Sissy Spacek) and a disillusioned cop tasked with bringing him in (Casey Affleck).

THE CAST

Since the film ostensibly gives audiences their last chance to bask in the glow of Redford’s star power, it’s a relief that his performance here is just as buoyant and playful as you’d expect. Though Lowery’s script doesn’t delve too very deep into Forrest’s psychology, Redford certainly leverages his icon status to elevate the material. Spacek and Tika Sumpter are under-served, despite turning in good performances, and Affleck seems far less engaged as an actor than he should be.

THE PRODUCTION

In addition to Redford’s smooth, devil-may-care performance, what makes The Old Man and the Gun work as well as it does is the capable hand of Lowery behind the camera. The film toys with audiences throughout, attempting to put the viewer into the shoes of Forrest himself. To him, this life of crime is nothing more than a game, a trifle wherein nothing is truly at stake. From the opening (and closing) text to the jaunty music from composer Daniel Hart, the film reflects this lifestyle and does a solid job of capturing it in cinematic form.

THE VERDICT

The Old Man and the Gun may not offer the showiest performance of Redford’s career, nor is it impactful in the way that so many films this year have been. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel of heist films or biopics or really set any lofty ambitions for itself. Yet, despite all that, the combination of Lowery’s approach (a kind of Catch Me If You  Can for men of a certain age) and Redford’s effortless screen presence make The Old Man and the Gun a pleasant, if not particularly standout entry in the canon of both its genre and its legendary star.

The Old Man and the Gun stars Robert Redford, Sissy Spacek, Casey Affleck, Tika Sumpter, Danny Glover and Tom Waits and is directed by David Lowery.