Movie-The Sting

In 1973 a movie event happened...a repairing of the co-stars from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Paul Newman and Robert Redford, came to screens in The Sting.

And I don't know how movie goers received in 1973, but watching it now, it was a great pairing of two sparkling leading men. I think it was better than Butch Cassidy.

Redford plays Johnny Hooker, a small-time grifter, who wants to make it big, but has to go on the lam, because of con that marked the wrong person, one with mob connections, and the mob is after him. He ends up in Chicago, told to look up Henry Gondorf (Newman) a big-time con man, who is in forced retirement. They combine forces to get at the head of the mob chasing Hooker down, and who killed his former partner.

Watching these two in action, putting together a team for this big con, I couldn't help but think, this is the decedent of Clooney and Pitt's Ocean's 11. the timing between Redford and Newman, the subtle nods and inflections, the FUN they seem to be having in pulling this con...the two are the 70's Clooney and Pitt. In fact there are a few scenes where Redford looks so much like Pitt it is scary.

The Sting is great fun, great movie watching and a chance to see to iconic actors working together. The con was entertaining, and set up brilliantly, and the film never lets you quite see around the corner to the end game. But with the knowing nods of Redford and Newman, you are willing to follow them where they want to take you in this movie, because you know it will be a great ride.