"It was exciting, scary," Stevens said. "It's legends, so you have to be on your game at all times."
Pacino plays a con man just out of prison. Once he's free, he realizes there's a contract hit out on him. The order comes from his old boss, and to make matters even worse, his best friend, played by Walken, has been assigned to do the hit.
Arkin plays another old pal and getaway driver who the two spring from his old folks home so they can have one last night of fun.
The plot makes for funny and poignant scenes among these three veteran actors.
"Chemistry is a strange thing. It's got to do with casting. I think a director says, 'I want this person and that person' because that's what they see in a movie as chemistry. And when it really works, it really can help a movie," Pacino said.
Walken said he had known Pacino for a long time, and while he didn't know Arkin, he had been watching him his whole life.
"So to be with those guys and go to work with them every day, it's inspiring," Walken said.
Pacino, Walken and Arkin all have Oscars for their acting. "Stand Up Guys" is rated R. It's in theaters on Friday.
