Written by: David S. Ward

Directed by: George Roy Hill

BBD Comments:

I’ll admit it, I was worried. The Tea Break had left me uncertain about whether JaJa was on the same page as Movienight. When she lined up all the plastic wrapped food and popcorn on the table I was even more worried.

Boy, did JaJa show me.

‘The Sting’ is a wonderful film. There is joyfulness to the storytelling that is totally at odds with its subject matter. Newman and Redford are pitch perfect in their roles as the two most likable anti heroes in Seventies history. The engine to the story, Luther being killed by a Big Shot and all of the two bit crooks uniting to bring them down, drives the film with a brightness and spirit that I find infectious. This quality is so well complimented by the Scott Joplin score, that you find yourself not worried where the film is headed because you enjoy the ride so much.

Working against the film is the two dimensionality of its production design. The sets and clothes all look a little theatrical by modern standards, and despite the two or three gorgeous matte paintings, it is obviously all shot on the back lot at Universal. But these are minor criticisms when looking at the film as a whole.

JaJa pulled it out. ‘The Sting’ is one of our most solid picks to date, and I am glad it is in our repertoire.

Justine had said to me before the film that it was topical. Afterwards I asked her why, and she said she was like Redford, the young scamp having to prove their worth to the Old Guard. Well, if that was the case, I think she proved her worth and then some. I hereby suggest that her Probationary Associate Status be upgraded to Full Member. Any objections?

Coolbaugh Comments:

Jaja steps in. Jaja delivers. Justice for Jaja. Justice for all.

 

 Wow. Who knew? Well, if you read last week's review, you'll see that I knew. 

 

Let's first talk quickly about the film.

 

‘The Sting.’ A complex intertwining storytelling effort that makes one think of great 18th and 19th century novelists. With about 16 subplots floating around in the air, slowly coming to a head, this thriller kept me laughing and guessing right up to the very end. Robert Redford manages to pull off the best performance I've ever seen him in (sorry Wiener - he's better than in your personal fave, ‘Out of Africa.’) He was the epitome of cool, and pulled off a 70’s performance without any hint of a 70’s "tag." Obviously, the film being set against the depressed backdrop of 1936 helped eliminate the shitty haircuts, clothes and lingo (the inclusion of the word "dick" on several occasions was a nice touch - they were using that word back then?) that tagged last week's great selection, ‘Network.’ And then there's Paul Newman. Is there anybody cooler? His performance in the poker game was simply untouchable.

 

What amazed me, was how difficult these roles must have been to play. They're actors playing actors in the most intense situations, and pulling it off so effortlessly. Flawlessly. 

 

As they attempt to pull off the big con, this mish-mash collection of grifter cons go toe-to-toe with the big boys, you follow? They switch gears as if on a dime and become somebody else, instamatically. It's done to the point where you have no idea who you're watching. This underworld setting is so believable that you can't help but wish you were a part of it. They’re living it. Breathing it. We were brought in, and watched an entire

economy/culture circulate the same wealth amongst different arms of itself. Robbing Peter to pay Paul...for fucking Mary. The reference to Howard Beale's monologue last week about us all being pawns in one big business must have been subliminal, but could not be denied.

 

You know, sometimes I look at what an actor does, and my jaw hits the floor. Sometimes I don't. But this was clearly a case of the former. I had absolutely no idea who was working for who, and who was a rat. Who was a good guy, and who was bad? Needless to say, I was riveted and blown away. Makes me glad I never pursued acting as a career. I could never pull that off.

 

Now. Let's talk about Jaja.

 

Keeping true to the truest of Movienight traditions, she elevated the bar...perhaps out of reach. But in defiance of a core Movienight tradition, an unreachable goal has yet to remain unreachable. At some point, it will step backwards, I just hope not on my watch. It's sort of like a game of Jenga, isn't it? 

 

Movienight is all about progress. Jaja debuted not with a slam dunk. Not with a home run. But she stepped up and delivered a shot - a grand slam in the bottom of the 9th when trailing by 3 in game 7. I don't think any selector has faced the pressure that Justine did. We're all much more comfortable with each other, and don't react to slams or disses. Justine was coming into what could have perhaps been a very intimidating situation. This crew can often be ruthless. Just ask Pat Towne. Or Nubs. Or Andy. Or Goldstein for that matter. There's no room for poor selections. She delivered. And at the perfect time (after we obviously forgot about them), busted out with the popcorn, Hot Tamales, Red Vines and Chocolate. Even beer. Stone cold epic.

 

Justine - welcome to our lame little club. I vote that her Probationary status be lifted, and she become a full-blown member. When shall we tell her about the tattoo??

 

Next up. An uncharacteristically nervous, and obviously shaken, Ben Wiener, who was overheard quipping, "damn...after this, I'm gonna have to have it catered next week."

 

Until then...

Nubs Comments:

“I don't feel I have to write [a] review for Justine...”

Wiener Comments:

‘The Sting’ is pure movie pleasure.  It's a wonderfully acted, briskly paced, well directed confection that delights from start to finish.  It has its tongue in its cheek in all the right places and though the repartee strains credibility in a few places, you don't really mind.  If there's one thing that I can say by way off criticism, and knowing me we'll see if I can hold it to one, it's that there's so little to write about this film.  It's like cotton candy.  It's sweet going down, but it melts away to nothing pretty quickly.  We emerge from a viewing of ‘The Sting’ amused but unchanged.  Now, there's certainly room for that.  Lord knows we could all use a little mindless entertainment.  But I think our more successful Movienight selections have provoked conversation, triggered some kind of introspection, or left us with a sense of answered questions.  ‘The Sting’ serves up a great plot, wraps it neatly in a bow, and gets tossed away like wrapping on Christmas morning when it ends.  This will not be a criticism levied by anyone at my next selection, Bergman's classic ‘The Seventh Seal,’ which will be shown Wednesday accompanied by traditional Swedish raw fish snacks.

Speaking of snacks, Movienight appreciated Justine's nurturing feminine touch.  The red vines were both nostalgic and munchie-busting at the same time.  The Fruit and Nut was tasty.  And I'd be more than happy to work with Justine on the appropriate technique for making microwave popcorn.  In fact, if we all like popcorn, I am willing to contribute an air popper to the cause.  Or buy some Jiffy Pop for everyone.  Microwave popcorn kind of sucks.  Now that Justine's thrown down the gauntlet, the challenge is on for themed snacks.  So, during Wednesday's screening of ‘The Waterboy,’ I hope you'll all enjoy my gator nuggets and cajun dipping sauce.

Just kidding.

Bundle up.  See you at the movies.

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