Sneakers

What would attract 7 superstars, all who have either been nominated for or won Oscars, to work together on a comedy thriller? The budget and salaries is still, ironically, a secret, so we can't say it was the money. I'm guessing it was the story. This movie is an excellent example of what my little rant is all about - a good story well told.

If you did not see this movie back "in the day", I highly recommend renting it. Here's why in decreasing order of importance.

Oscar-winner Sidney Poitier (Blackboard Jungle, A Raisin in the Sun, and They Call Me Mister Tibbs) is not known as a comic actor. This is a rare performance and well worth watching.

Oscar-nominee River Phoenix (Running on Empty, Indiana Jones Last Crusade, and I Love You To Death) knew comedy and knew drama. His skills were beyond his age. This movie was one of his last before his death in 1993.

Oscar-winner Robert Redford (too many to list) plays a good guy who does bad things. Or is he a bad guy that does good things.? You decide.

Oscar-winner Ben Kingsley (Gandhi, House of Sand and Fog, and The Last Legion) is a wonderful bad guy. This role helped me totally see Kingley as someone other than Gandhi.

Oscar-nominee Dan Aykroyd (Blues Brothers series, Ghostbusters series, and Driving Miss Daisy) turns on his uber-geek conspiracy theorist side and never steals a scene, but "makes" every one he is in.

Oscar-nominee Mary McDonnell (Dances With Wolves, Independence Day, and Battlestar Gallactica series) plays well opposite all the above big boys. She is perfect.

There are too many other fun performances here to mention.

Watch this movie with someone who likes playing Scrabble.