Review of The Sting (1973) by Rebecca H — 04 Nov 2008
Robert Redford is extremely likeable as Johnny Hooker, a small-time con artist who wants revenge against the loathsome crime lord who had his friend and partner murdered. The music is great fun and the film is very well made, funny and exciting.
However, it does have a few flaws that stop it quite being the perfect classic it nearly is. Luther (Robertearl Jones), Hooker's partner, spouts 'I'm going to die soon' dialogue in far too obvious a way for the rest of the intelligent script. The whole plot rests entirely on the idea of honour among thieves and there are too many characters in on the con to make it quite connectable. It takes a few viewings to get all the plot intricacies, and while the con is still interesting each time, the twists are spoilt. And that's the main fault of the film. The main twist keeps the audience out of the loop, but the main characters are in on it, so that isn't clever writing. That's just not showing us part of the film and therefore it is rather annoying.
But other than that, it's brilliant.
This review of The Sting (1973) was written by Rebecca H on 04 Nov 2008.
The Sting has generally received very positive reviews.
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