★★★★★

Two grifters team up to pull off the ultimate con.

Following the murder of a mutual friend, aspiring con man Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford) teams up with old pro Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman) to take revenge on the ruthless crime boss responsible, Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw). Hooker and Gondorff set about implementing an elaborate scheme, one so crafty that Lonnegan won't even know he's been swindled. As their big con unfolds, however, things don't go according to plan, requiring some last-minute improvisation by the undaunted duo.

After cementing themselves as one of the most beloved duo’s of the silver screen in the late 60’s with the smash, cult hit Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Paul Newman and Robert Redford return in The Sting. And its perfection. 

The story is paced with such precision and poise that it appears as if this cinematic masterpiece was created with utter ease. The story zips along at a jaunty pace in an almost episodic form which helps to weave a web of deceit that fools not only the film's mark, the nasty criminal Lonnegan, but the audience as well. 

It’s not only the sharp script that makes The Sting such an entertaining joy to witness but Newman and Redford themselves. They both ooze so much charisma that it spills off the screen, giving us a Robin Hood duo that is pursuing the dastardly Lonnegan, played to sinister perfection by the always superb Robert Shaw, even if they do have their fingers in the sacks of gold. 

Not only a cinematic classic but an utter entertaining joy to behold with the charismatic duo of Newman and Redford at the very top of their game.

★★★★★

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