Today’s quick review: Sneakers. Martin Bishop (Robert Redford), the leader of a ragtag team of security consultants, takes on a lucrative job for the NSA: to steal a powerful cryptographic device from its inventor. The job goes smoothly until Martin’s team figures out just what the device is capable of and just how badly the governments of the world want it. And when the device falls into the wrong hands, it is up to Martin and his friends to get it back.
Sneakers is a crime drama with heist and comedy elements. Sneakers offers a glimpse into the world of security, hacking, and intelligence. Robert Redford stars as Martin Bishop, a computer expert with a troubled past. He is joined by Mary McDonnell, Sidney Poitier, Dan Aykroyd, and Ben Kingsley for a decent and well-used cast of characters. The film’s borderline thriller plot is offset by a sense of humor, with a few surprisingly good jokes throughout the movie.
Unlike most computer-based movies, Sneakers actually deals with realistic themes and attitudes. The specifics are exaggerated for the sake of the story, but the consequences of a cryptographic breakthrough and the motivations of old-school hackers are both given a more thoughtful treatment than usual. This care is reflected in a plot that unfolds well, hinges on its characters’ personalities and decisions, and includes a fairly solid heist.
Watch Sneakers when you are in the mood for a decently executed heist movie with a good balance of comedy and drama. Though not a superlative film, Sneakers does enough right to be a worthwhile watch. Skip it if you are looking for a more gripping thriller or a more dedicated comedy. For another movie about hacking, check out WarGames. For a less plausible, more action-packed take on the cyber thriller genre, check out Swordfish.
7.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for a reasonably smart plot and a dash of good comedy.