We’re at a time in film production where everything seems to be from the same cookie cutter style.

The one thing I really admired Going In for is the fact it adhered to its own rules — Well, mostly.

It’s a neo-noir satire about the buddy films of old, and while it nails the tropes, it also falls victim to similar story beats.

The Canadian film is set in Toronto in 1989, and centers on two former friends Leslie and Reuben. Over a five-year span, they fell out with each other and the former cut contact.

Trying to break from his hard-partying ways, Leslie feels he had to let go of his friend to become a better person. But when Reuben comes back into his life and needs help, he’s pulled right back in.

With a new drug affecting the city and Reuben’s brother kidnapped, the two must fight to get some semblance of normalcy back and avoid danger.

To his credit, Evan Rissi directs, writes and stars as Leslie, and does admirable work. He and Ira Goldman (playing Reuben) share good chemistry, and both seem to understand the film they’re making.

Unfortunately, the film lacks the spark and ingenuity I had hoped for. In lightly jabbing a popular sub-genre, they fail to actually make salient points and distinguish themselves.

It’s enjoyable and light-hearted, but Going In should have gone all in, because this end product feels sidelined by the filmmaker’s decision to play it a bit too safe.

3/5 Stars