Sneakers (1992)

Thoroughly enjoyed this movie. The casting is excellent and no single actor dominates the movie. It combines comedy and action to just the right degree. Will always watch if I stumble across it on tv.

This movie is indeed fun, bolstered by some really strong performances, that of Strathairn, the much lost Phoenix, and the much underused Poitier, while I did like Ackroyd's hairdo. Steered by not the strongest performer, though Redford had a very natural flair for the role, he plays a genius and still wanted hacker who becomes embroiled in the past, when he's called upon/forced to steal this black box, and deliver it to the CIA. Complications do arise for him and his impressive team of counterparts, when they make a second attempt, where Redford's first solo one fails. Definitely thrilling and intriguing, as far as the hacking angle goes, I'll give you that, but really, when it comes down to it, the film doesn't really add up to anything special sitting between good and ordinary. Kingsley is great as always as Redford's betrayed hacker friend, now a nemesis, while Macdonell, adds sexy appeal as the lone female co star.

Some of the technology may have changed, but this is still one of the most accurate hacker movies I've ever seen. There are some movies that I go back to watch repeatedly, and this is one of them.The writing is very well done. The movie rightfully illustrates the still huge vulnerabilities of social engineering. The ersatz NSA character's line about how his agency is not chartered for domestic surveillance...oh, the irony!The cast is excellent, and the soundtrack is original and enhances the moods of the scenes.Direction and editing are well-done too. Hence my 10-star rating.

I thought this was a GREAT film when it released and saw it a few times - I guess I was 16 or so at the time.Seeing it again it is a by-the-numbers caper film. James Horner's music sets the mood often over-the-top intense or super light "boy's adventure"... There is a lot of 'humor' which is very light and usually very dry. I think this film, despite it's being a tricksy one is best for oldies who can keep up.The story is a simple double caper setup - steal the goods and then steal them again except harder. But anyone watching will notice that for a bunch of crack security experts the characters behave a little stupidly...Plot holes, occasional sub-par dialogue, out-of-place music and characters that are a bit dull this remains a solid, undemanding thriller.