The Sting (DVD 2000)

Okay, this is unfortunately going to be one of those gushing reviews I put out, well, quite a lot, let's be frank. I love this film, it's that simple, and I'm here to tell you why.
First off, Newman and Redford are without doubt, one of, if not the best cinematic double bill ever, playing off each other with tremendous charisma and chemistry, helped along by slick, plished direction and a cracking script. Of the supporting cast, Harold Gould and Ray Walston as two of the co-conspirators are a joy to watch, and Robert Shaw (hardly a supporting player really) makes Doyle Lonnegan into a hard-hearted, cynical, cold-blooded rackets boss, 'a man who'd kill a grifter over a pile of money that wouldn't last him a week!' to quote (or possibly misquote) Newman's Henry Gondorff. Oh, and Charles Durning's corrupt cop Lt. Snyder is great, truly dislikeable.

George Roy Hill's direction is as smooth as you'd like, the pace nver letting up for the two hour running time. The musical montage detailing Gondorff preparing Redford's Johnny Hooker for life in 'the Big Con', whilst rounding up the old gang, is a treat, something I always smile when watching, and set, as with the rest of the film, to the Scott Joplin score that fits the film perfectly. The storyboard style of the film has been commented as breaking the rhythm, but I disagree, I think it helps the movie, letting the viewer see the sting unfold in its consituent parts. And the poker game halfway through the film is a)gripping, a testament to the actors and the direction, and b)very funny, a testament to the script.

Unlike some movies that sweep the board at the Oscars, this one could be said to deserve the awards it reaped.

If you have some cash to spare, you could do far far worse than buy this movie. If you liked Butch Cassidy.. you'll like this, from the first time you watch it, to the next, and the next. Oh, and in case you hadn't heard, the ending's a peach.