They don’t make movies like this anymore, a saying apropos to “Sneakers”.
The 1992 “comedy caper” was directed by Phil Alden Robinson, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Walter Parkes and Lawrence Lasker. Its set in San Francisco and relies heavily on the star power of a loaded cast to deliver. Thankfully, they do.
Only in the 90s
Martin Bishop (Robert Redford) is a hacker with a conscience. He leads a ragtag pentest team including former CIA agent Donald (Sidney Poitier), conspiracy theorist Darren (Dan Aykroyd), blind phreak Irwin (David Strathairn), and rookie computer prodigy Carl (River Phoenix).
How or why this group met is not explained, and that’s okay. We are quickly introduced to each man and their specialty and it’s simplicity is a thing of beauty. “So, people hire you to break into their places to make sure no one can break into their places?” A woman asks Martin, to which he casually responds. “It’s a living.”
Martin’s team is enlisted by the NSA to recover a stolen tech-device from the Russians. They are the best in the business, so its an obvious hire. Of course, further antics ensue, resulting in a comedic caper that never gets dull.
Big Names
The cast reads like an Olympic roster.
Robert Redford and Sidney Poitier are two of the biggest names Hollywood has or will ever know. Both men are excellent and work so well together it makes me wish they had shared the screen more often in their day. Poitier has such a commanding presence he’s thoroughly believable as a former CIA agent who left the agency due to “personality conflicts.” Redford has charisma and charm that defines Movie Star.
What works is that all the actors know their specific roles. Dan Aykroyd and River Phoenix are leading men on their own. Here they slide in perfectly as compliments to Redford and Poitier. As does Mary McDonnell who plays Martin’s love interest. My boy David Strathairn is sound as always.
Terrific character actors add depth in tertiary roles. Timothy Busfield plays a smarmy NSA agent, and the hilarious Stephen Tobolowsky does awkward nerd like only he can. The legendary James Earl Jones makes a cameo that was seemingly written for him.
If that’s not enough, Sir Ben Kingsley plays the primary antagonist. “Organized crime?” He scoffs. “Don’t kid yourself, it’s not that organized.”
The Bygone Era
This movie seamlessly mixes the heist/caper/thriller genre with subtle comedy. It showcases early technology, some of which is so antiquated its laughable.
I love seeing a glimpse of yesterday, with the sounds, clothes, and overall style flashing throughout.
“Sneakers” is a great film. The 2-hour length is a product of the era. Yes, some scenes or parts could have been trimmed (and probably would be trimmed today). But the thoughtful pace lets the story breathe, and the great actors do what they do best.
