The Sting

For this to be a good B movie or generic entertainment vehicle is understandable and makes the film more recommendable, but it is the 1973 winner for Best Picture. That's too much. The film only conists of a plot. Two con artists arrange an elaborate sting against a crime lord. The film follows suit to wrap the entire story within that "sting". Paul Newman and Robert Redford can play charming and likable with their eyes closed and that is all they are asked to do. The film doesn't even have any characterization for the men outside of the con. Because the film is only about the con the story becomes depedent on the twist ending so spoiling it ruins much of the fun. The only feeling this movie gives you is self gratification at who was suckered and fooled by these likable men we've followed the entire way through. When Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid came out in 1969, it didn't win Best Picture Oscar and some feel it should have. I don't think it should have even been nominated but when all the notables of that film reteamed for this one, the Academy felt they owed them an allowance for the oversight. I think the Academy should have just given them free tickets to the show instead.