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Nabaza.net-The MarketPlace - The Hot Rock
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List Price: $14.98
Our Price: $13.49
Your Save: $ 1.49 ( 10% )
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
Starring: Robert Redford, George Segal, Ron Leibman, Paul Sand, Moses Gunn
Directed By: Peter Yates
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Average Customer Rating:  
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Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Binding: DVD
EAN: 0024543075639
Format: Anamorphic
Label: 20th Century Fox
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: 20th Century Fox
Region Code: 1
Release Date: 2003-05-20
Running Time: 100
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Theatrical Release Date: 1972
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Editorial Reviews:
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Four would-be thieves attempt to steal the same diamond four times.
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating:
Summary: "The Habitual Crime"
Comment: In a nutshell, master thief Dortmunder (Redford) and his thoroughly New Yawk crew are hired by an obscure and highly nationalist African government to steal (back) a huge diamond. They do, but unintended consequences just keep things going wrong. They adapt, persevere and ultimately overcome.
I don't own this movie, but every time I come across it on the television, I'll stop and watch it all the way through.
I wouldn't call this film a Redford vehicle, although the way the camera looks at him, with his tousled hair and his totally mod but perfectly fitted clothing, you can't miss that this film is almost exclusively about him. George Segal, arguably at the height of his 70s stardom, barely gets in edgewise.
When it comes time to break into the police station, the bumbling cops are good, but my favorite aspect of it is the steadfast realization of the precinct's captain that the revolution has arrived. Made in 1971, there was an awful lot of turmoil, with Vietnam, student violence, demonstrations, significant race problems and economic issues, and this scene took full advantage of that. Look for a very young Christopher Guest as one of the rattled cops.
One of my comedic heroes, Zero Mostel, gets a choice role as a conniving lawyer (is that redundant?). Surprisingly, he's not the raging scene-stealer in this film that he is in almost everything else I've ever seen him in. He fills out his character magnificently, of course, but he's just another one of the fascinating cast of characters.
The film is a wonderful snapshot of a New York City gone forever. The street scenes are as real as you can get, shot on location. The helicopter flight may seem long and drawn out, but other than simply getting their rental fee's worth, one can't help but notice the loving attention given the World Trade Center towers, still under construction. There's also the brown smog of that era; one feels almost sentimental. As the film closes and Redford struts down the urban canyon, you can see the Pan Am--that business concern now long gone--building rising behind him.
You will remember: Afghanistan-bananastan.
Bottom line: This is a wonderfully shot and acted family film, suitable for all ages, an overlooked classic. It is light, fun, and easy to follow, and while may have acted better, he never looked better. The characters are all unique and highly watchable, woven together to make a film that's not only enjoyable, but is also a moment in time of a long-lost New York City.
Customer Rating: 
Summary: More Cool Than Hot
Comment: This is a pretty much forgotten 70s caper which is fun but surprising low-key. Which is odd as Redford's always game dry wit is supported here by a gifted comic supporting cast who have their moments, but never really let loose. (Except Zero Mostel who was incapable of toning it down.) I'm surprised by how many of these heist pictures there were around this time ($, The Anderson Tapes) -- and that they all seemed to have been scored by Quincy Jones. His work here is also restrained. There's good location work and this does call to mind the wry charm of a Westlake book -- just wish it delivered a bigger kick. (Maybe that's why in all his writings, I don't recall William Goldman ever touching on this project.)
Customer Rating:
Summary: A Great, Little-Known Movie
Comment: For such a great movie, this one is suprisingly little-known. Remember when movies used to be really entertaining, without a whole lot of nakedness, violence, and foul language? Well, if you're looking for a great heist flick, a dose of humor, and a really good plot, without all the modern-day trash, this one is for you.
It's my husband's fave.
Customer Rating:
Summary: ...and then what???
Comment: THE HOT ROCK is an old and very funny movie about all the things that go wrong after a robbery. A good way to view is to watch THE ITALIAN JOB first, then THE HOT ROCK. Robert Redford shows wonderful comedic timing and good facial expressions.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Highly enjoyable diamond heist thriller
Comment: The Hot Rock is an above average heist movie from the early 1970s that isn't that well known, but it is well worth checking out. John Dortmunder is fresh out of prison when his brother-in-law and partner in crime, Andrew Kelp, approaches him with an idea to steal an African diamond and earn $25,000 in the process. Dortmunder, an expert planner in these situations, and Kelp bring together two other men, because their boss will only pay for four, to pull off the robbery of the diamond in a New York City museum. But when they go to rob the museum, one thing after another keeps preventing them from getting their hands on the Sahara Stone. Their efforts to obtain the diamond include a prison break, a helicopter assault on a NY police station, and hypnotism to get into a bank vault. This heist blends just the right amount of dry humor as the heist team prepares and puts into action their plans to obtaining the diamond. It is a really fun, enjoyable movie to watch, and as well, there's some great shots of NY City, including a now eerie shot of the World Trade Center being built. The Hot Rock is a sure thing for fans of heist movies so don't miss it.
In a very good ensemble cast, Robert Redford is tops as John Dortmunder, the recent parolee and planner of the diamond heist. For much of the movie, Redford plays straight man to those around him, but the script gives him several good chances for some very funny lines. It doesn't hurt that Redford was and is a very likable actor. George Segal is Dortmunder's right hand man Andrew Kelp, his partner in crime. Segal is a safecracker who has lost faith in his ability which makes Dortmunder question whether he can do the job. The rest of the team includes Ron Leibman as Stan Murch, the car crazy mechanic who can drive or fly anything, and Paul Sand as Alan Greenberg, an explosives expert who makes a big mistake in the initial theft. Moses Gunn is perfect as Dr. Amusa, the man who hires Dortmunder and his team and quickly begins to realize he might have picked the wrong guys for the job. Zero Mostel plays Abe Greenberg, Alan's father who unwittingly finds himself as part of the heist and takes full advantage. It's a small part, but Mostel is excellent. The DVD features a pretty-good looking widescreen presentation, a Hot Rock trailer, and trailers for two other Redford movies, Brubaker and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. So for an underrated heist movie with Redford and a great cast, and just the right mix of humor and suspense, check out The Hot Rock!
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