It's not often that a movie can have a lot of elements that work together .... and work! Sneakers is one of the few exceptions.

This is an espionage/spy thriller, with a lot of humor that is tempered and gives the audience some relief from the tension and uncertainty of the story. That's important. Without that relief, an audience can stay tensed up and the film loses its edge.

Redford runs a private investigation company that specializes in a collection of riff-raff experts of various fields. They're great as a team, because every member is well fleshed out.

Motives are well defined in this film. We understand why every single character is doing what he or she does.

The story centers around a technology that can unlock any encrypted computer data. We never know exactly who wants to get their hands on this -- the NSA, the Russians or the Mafia. Mix in a little betrayal, and double-crossing; you'll stay hooked.

The writing is very tight, the editing is just a little loose. This movie came very close to shutting down the vacuum cleaner motor.

Slight Suction!

Film Facts

Cast
• Robert Redford
• Dan Aykroyd
• Ben Kingsley
• Mary McDonnell
• River Phoenix
• Sidney Poitier
• David Strathairn

Directed by Phil Alden Robinson

Released in 1992

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Reviewed by Mongo