ReelBob: ‘The Old Man & the Gun’ ★★★½

By Bob Bloom

“The Old Man & the Gun” is a comfort movie.

Watching it feels like sitting back in your favorite chair, wearing your old feel-good slippers and wrapping yourself in that afghan your grandmother knitted for you.

Oh, and did I mention it stars Robert Redford and Sissy Spacek? These legendary Oscar-winning performers (he for directing, she for acting), are so magical in front of the camera that you expect them to turn toward you and say, “Welcome.”

Redford plays Forrest Tucker, a career criminal who specializes in robbing banks. Tucker’s m.o. is simple: He casually strolls into an establishment wearing a nice business suit and carrying a briefcase.

He discreetly shows either a manager or teller a gun and politely asks for money.

Then, he coolly walks out and drives off.

The movie, written and directed by David Lowery (“A Ghost Story” and “Pete’s Dragon,” which also featured Redford), is based on a true story, but rather loosely at that.

We do know for sure that Tucker robbed banks. We also know he escaped from prison 16 times, including once from San Quentin, by building a small boat.

We also know that Tucker is a smooth-talking charmer. Where truth ends and Lowery’s imagination surfaces are not really important.

The movie is an old-fashioned star vehicle, catered to Redford’s laid-back approach. As Tucker, Redford uses his personality to charm not only Spacek’s widowed Jewel, a few bank managers and tellers — but us as well.

In the normal course of events, you would be aghast at a 70-plus-year-old man robbing  banks. Yet Redford’s performance allows you to root for Tucker.

You may actually hope that he can get away with his felonious behavior.

Alas, the police are on his trail, headed by Casey Affleck’s personable Texas detective, aptly named John Hunt.

Hunt was in a bank with his young son when Tucker robbed it. The crook was so quiet and unobtrusive that Hunt did not know the bank was hit until Tucker had left the building.

As Hunt continues the investigation, he slowly comes to respect Tucker, even though he disapproves of his career.

Affleck displays a light and casual air that masks Hunt’s intensity and doggedness that pushes his pursuit.

Though he carries a gun, Tucker has never used it. His smile and his charisma are his weapons of choice.

Redford has said that “The Old Man & the Gun” is his last hurrah before the camera, though he plans on continuing to direct.

If that is the case, he has kept his best for last. He has created a memorable character that you will feel guilty about embracing.

As for Spacek, she plays a down-to-earth woman who, despite her better judgment, falls for Tucker’s smooth patter. Even when she discovers the truth about him, she remains attracted to the man.

The years have been kind to Spacek. She continues to look radiant, with a smile that could illuminate a sports arena and with a sparkle, wisdom and weariness in her eyes that tells us she knows Tucker is a bit of a con man.

Watching these venerable pros flirt is priceless.

Their low-key romance adds a nice touch to this production.

And at just more than 90 minutes, “The Old Man & the Gun” breezes by like a summer wind cooling an August afternoon.

“The Old Man & the Gun” has some problems: Danny Glover and Tom Waits as Tucker’s accomplices have very little to do and are overshadowed by Redford’s persona.

Otherwise, the movie is like a leisurely stroll in the park. You can stop here and there to admire the scenery — then, go on your way, wearing a big smile.

I am a member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. My reviews appear at ReelBob (reelbob.com) and Rottentomatoes (www.rottentomatoes.com). I also review Blu-rays and DVDs. I can be reached by email at bobbloomjc@gmail.com or on Twitter @ReelBobBloom. Links to my reviews can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

THE OLD MAN AND THE GUN
3½ stars out of 4
(PG-13), language