Thursday, March 15, 2012

The Sting (1973)





This is THE con movie. Paul Newman and Robert Redford play Henry Gondorff and Johnny Hooker, two grifters on the biggest con of their lives. The mark? Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw), a heartless mob boss who had their fellow grifter killed on account of some cash they conned out of one of Lonnegan's money runners. With their team of accomplices, Gondorff and Hooker set out to exact revenge the best way they know how.

This is one of those films that you wish you could have that "first time" viewing experience every time. Redford and Newman are great together (of course!) and Lonnegan is such an amazing villain. That stare could kill you on the spot! The thing that's so enjoyable about this film (aside from the great acting performances and ragtime soundtrack) is just watching the art of the con. They're always one step ahead, and it's amazing to watch the con unfold.

Oh and two words: poker game. The poker scene is probably my favorite scene in any movie ever. I don't want to spoil it so I'll just leave it at that. Please go see this movie if you haven't! Go have that "first time" viewing experience that makes the film so special.

(Nerd confession: for years I used "Kid Twist" as an Internet alias, taken from Harold Gould's character in this movie!)

Happy viewing, and don't forget to place it on Lucky Dan! ;)

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