Sneakers
4/4
Starring: Robert Redford, Sidney Poitier, Mary McDonnell, Dan Aykroyd, David Strathairn, River Phoenix, Ben Kingsley
Rated PG-13 for Some Sexual References
"Sneakers" is one of the most fun capers I've ever seen. Filled with wit and suspense in equal quantities, it's truly an underrated classic.
Martin Bishop (Redford) leads a ragtag group of outcasts who make their living breaking into buildings to test their security systems. Apart from Marty, they include: Crease (Poitier), who is ex-CIA. Mother (Aykroyd) is a conspiracy theorist techno-geek. Whistler (Strathairn) is a blind man with exceptional hearing. And Carl (Phoenix) is the muscle (oddly enough). One day, they are contacted by two men from the NSA (Timothy Busfeld and Eddie Jones). They want him to steal a mysterious black box that helps with code-breaking. Marty turns them down, but as they put it, he doesn't have a choice since they know that he's really Martin Brice, a criminal who was never caught.
The acting is strong across the board, and with a cast like this, that's to be expected. Marty Bishop meshes well with Redford's low-key acting style. Marty isn't a very demonstrative person, but this isn't something directed by Wolfgang Peterson. Sidney Poitier gets the lion's share of the intensity. He's the first one to admit that they're in over their heads. Dan Aykroyd makes a perfect geek: he's overweight, socially awkward and a computer nerd. Some of the film's funniest scenes are when he's trying to convince Crease of his wild conspiracy theories. David Straithairn is good as the mischievous blind man. River Phoenix is also very good as the kid of the group although he doesn't have a lot to do if you think about it. And Mary McDonnell is a lovely love interest. Liz and Marty had a romantic past, and she helps them even though she insists that they aren't going to get back together. Ben Kingsley makes for a unique villain; he's torn between bringing Marty into the fold or ruining him.
The key to the film is tone, something that Phil Alden Robinson is a master at. The film switches from light to menacing without missing a beat. Watching "Sneakers" is like watching an idealized version of corporate America. It's realism with a fantasy feel, if that makes any sense.
Also worth mentioning is the score by James Horner. It's light and jazzy, although there are some dark and suspenseful moments too. It's helped along by Branford Marsalis' crooning saxophone melodies. "Sneakers" has one of the most magical film scores I've ever heard.
"Sneakers" is like that. Not too light, but not too heavy. Magical but realistic. However you want to describe it, it's a lot of fun.
Starring: Robert Redford, Sidney Poitier, Mary McDonnell, Dan Aykroyd, David Strathairn, River Phoenix, Ben Kingsley
Rated PG-13 for Some Sexual References
"Sneakers" is one of the most fun capers I've ever seen. Filled with wit and suspense in equal quantities, it's truly an underrated classic.
Martin Bishop (Redford) leads a ragtag group of outcasts who make their living breaking into buildings to test their security systems. Apart from Marty, they include: Crease (Poitier), who is ex-CIA. Mother (Aykroyd) is a conspiracy theorist techno-geek. Whistler (Strathairn) is a blind man with exceptional hearing. And Carl (Phoenix) is the muscle (oddly enough). One day, they are contacted by two men from the NSA (Timothy Busfeld and Eddie Jones). They want him to steal a mysterious black box that helps with code-breaking. Marty turns them down, but as they put it, he doesn't have a choice since they know that he's really Martin Brice, a criminal who was never caught.
The acting is strong across the board, and with a cast like this, that's to be expected. Marty Bishop meshes well with Redford's low-key acting style. Marty isn't a very demonstrative person, but this isn't something directed by Wolfgang Peterson. Sidney Poitier gets the lion's share of the intensity. He's the first one to admit that they're in over their heads. Dan Aykroyd makes a perfect geek: he's overweight, socially awkward and a computer nerd. Some of the film's funniest scenes are when he's trying to convince Crease of his wild conspiracy theories. David Straithairn is good as the mischievous blind man. River Phoenix is also very good as the kid of the group although he doesn't have a lot to do if you think about it. And Mary McDonnell is a lovely love interest. Liz and Marty had a romantic past, and she helps them even though she insists that they aren't going to get back together. Ben Kingsley makes for a unique villain; he's torn between bringing Marty into the fold or ruining him.
The key to the film is tone, something that Phil Alden Robinson is a master at. The film switches from light to menacing without missing a beat. Watching "Sneakers" is like watching an idealized version of corporate America. It's realism with a fantasy feel, if that makes any sense.
Also worth mentioning is the score by James Horner. It's light and jazzy, although there are some dark and suspenseful moments too. It's helped along by Branford Marsalis' crooning saxophone melodies. "Sneakers" has one of the most magical film scores I've ever heard.
"Sneakers" is like that. Not too light, but not too heavy. Magical but realistic. However you want to describe it, it's a lot of fun.
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