After a jewelry store takedown comes off nearly without a
hitch, a professional con man (Gene Hackman) and his crew are denied payment by
their ruthless backer (Danny DeVito) who demands they take on one final score:
the hijacking of Swedish jet to relieve it of its gold holdings. When a backup
escape plan falls through, the crew is stuck not only with carrying out the
daring heist but also in taking on the boss’s weaselly, hot headed, amateurish
nephew (Sam Rockwell). The title job of the film takes second stage to David
Mamet’s trademarked tough talking, crackling dialogue which takes on a certain
ferocity when uttered by Hackman and DeVito during heated exchanges.
Hackman delivers one of his finest twilight performances and supporters Delroy
Lindo, Ricky Jay, and DeVito are a whole lot of fun as shifty conmen.
*** 1/2 out of ****
