Today’s quick review: The Sting. When con man Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford) and his partner Luther (Robert Earl Jones) unknowingly swindle a money runner for mob boss Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw), they think they have hit the big time. But Lonnegan decides to make an example out of them by having Luther murdered and running Hooker out of town. Hooker seeks out Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman), an old master of the art, to help him take his revenge on Lonnegan. Together they set up an elaborate con to take Lonnegan for all he’s worth. But Lonnegan is not to be understimated, and a crooked police officer (Charles Durning) on Hooker’s trail threatens to ruin the whole operation.
The Sting is a classic crime film set in Depression-era Chicago. The Sting is a movie that promises and delivers exactly one thing: a long, elaborate con job. Nearly all of the film is devoted to the main plot, and it is a credit to the writer that none of it feels superfluous or ill-considered. The con is a good one, unfolding steadily over the course of the film, offering the view enough clues to work with, and saving a few twists for later on. The cast is a very strong one, and while the roles are not unduly dramatic, the performances are interesting, subtle, and human.
Watch The Sting if you are in the mood for a well-crafted con movie with an excellent plot. The tone is light drama, which can be a boon or a missed opportunity depending on your personal tastes. Despite the crime and danger, The Sting never lets itself get too grim, resulting in a pleasant watch that sacrifices pathos for accessibility. Skip The Sting if you are looking for more than just a tight, well-written plot or if you dislike the tone and pacing of older movies.
8.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it 7.5 for excellent writing and strong performances; your enjoyment will correspond to how fond you are of the tone, cast, and filmmaking style.