The hosts treat The Sting as an elite, highly rewatchable con movie: stylish, clever, funny, and unusually pleasurable despite being built around fraud. They emphasize its intricate setup-payoff structure, charisma from Redford/Newman/Shaw, and how the movie’s fake world, lingo, and turn-by-turn reveals make it an ideal repeat watch.
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favorableDavid S. WardSean Fennessey: Praised for the script’s structure and con-movie vocabulary, though his source-material dispute is mentioned. About 16 min
favorableMarvin HamlischBill Simmons: Discussed as the composer whose ragtime adaptation gives the movie its signature feel and a big Oscar year. About 32 min
neutralJulia PhillipsSean Fennessey: Cited for anecdotes about producing the film, including credit presentation and late starts on set. About 1:12
favorableJack KehoeSean Fennessey: Highlighted as an excellent ‘that guy’ actor and one of the film’s scene-stealing supporting players. About 1:12
favorableEileen BrennanChris Ryan: Liked as Celino and as a strong supporting presence, though the role is not central. About 48 min
favorableCraig CoralbackProvides the closing verdict that the film works as both a commercial and critical success and looks like a painting. About 1:20
