MovieChat Forums > The Sting (1973) Discussion > Am I the only person on Earth who doesn'...

Am I the only person on Earth who doesn't like this film?

posted 12 years ago by kolnoaMograbi
66 replies | jump to latest

...not only didn't like it, actually fell asleep! I was 13 that summer, and was a junior counselor for nine-year-old girls at a day camp. All my campers raved about this flick. Went to see it with a friend and honestly couldn't keep up with the plot. Seemed to me to be one long poker game (about as exciting as watching someone get their braces tightened) punctuated by I don't know what, 'cause I fell asleep. For real.

When you think of garbage, think of Hakim!

[–] geocaplan 9 years ago

No. THE STING is close to as bad as it gets.

[–] jrhpax 9 years ago

I am immune to the charm of "The Sting." So was film critic Pauline Kael. We just didn't get it. I rewatched the movie yesterday. I still don't get it.

In 1973, Jack Lemmon won the Best Actor Oscar for "Save the Tiger" and Glenda Jackson won Best Actress for "A Touch of Class." I have no idea how either one of them could have won -- I hated the movies and the performances.

So in my opinion, 1973 was Oscar's most bizarre year. I can't fathom how any of the winners won.

[–] SnoozeAlarm 9 years ago

Honestly, I find it hard to understand how anyone cannot like this film. I am engaged from the very first seconds of the film, and the film maintains my interest throughout.

I definitely place it on the list of all-time best films. To me, this is the kind of film that should be studied in film school, to demonstrate how to make a great movie. Every single aspect of the movie is done impeccably:

- Rock-solid script
- Interesting characters
- Compelling plot
- Snappy dialog
- Engaging score
- First-rate production: sets, costumes
- Stunning cinematography
- Tight pacing and editing
- Top-notch actors at peak performance and terrific ensemble cast

My apologies if it sounds like I'm insulting you for not "getting it". No harm intended.

It should be against the law to use 'LOL'; unless you really did LOL!

[–] siltom1962 9 years ago

I thought it was entertaining at the time, but looking back on it it was kind of feeble, contrived, and gimmicky. Not Best Picture-worthy.

[–] kolnoaMograbi 9 years ago

Thanks for the val, siltom.

"When you think of garbage, think of Akeem!"

[–] JPLogan54 9 years ago

Yes. I mean if yo have any appreciation for film, yes. You are the only one. You are also the only one who poops. So deal with that too.

[–] janedoe3010 8 years ago

Probably. I was 11 when it came out and loved it. I followed it and was entranced by the story, the costumes, and the acting.

[–] gottaluvafriend 8 years ago

I don't think a 13-year old can be expected to keep up with The Sting's plot, especially a sleepy 13-year old.

[–] AlexZander45 8 years ago

I find The Sting to be an excellent movie and I very much enjoyed it and was thoroughly entertained start to finish.

[–] guccipix 8 years ago

I expected to love it but it's way too plotty for me, and lacking in emotion. One long, meandering set-up.

Better to be king for a night than schmuck for a lifetime.

[–] arthurab 8 years ago

Personally, I'm surprised any adult wouldn't like this movie. I was bored by it as a child, but have come to appreciate its charms after multiple viewings.

However, my tastes don't run with the crowd usually, so to each his own (I can understand NOT LIKING something "everyone else" seems to like, i.e. Fight Club, Avatar, The Walking Dead, Titanic, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and on and on.)

Ultimately, I think Gene Hackman in 'Hoosiers' said it best (to an aspiring star player):

"I don't care whether you play or not."

"