Sneakers DVD

Sneakers, written and directed by Phil Alden Robinson (Field of Dreams) is a lightweight but enjoyable caper movie. Although it was, for its time, advanced in knowledge of computer technology, it uses all the cliches of the disparate-band-of-rascals genre. Despite some creakiness in structure and some glaring continuity errors, this is still a very entertaining movie.

Working on Both Sides of the Law

A motley group, including Dan Akroyd, Sidney Poitier, David Straithairn, Mary McDonnell and River Phoenix, make their living by breaking into high-security buildings--legally--to test their security systems. Most of them have something of a past, especially their leader, Bishop (Robert Redford). He's been on the run from the Feds for 20 years, so when a government agent (Timothy Busfield) asks them to steal a "black box," sort of a super decoder, he can throw some weight behind the request.

Of course, it turns out that the government guy shouldn't be allowed to get his hands on the prize. Nor should it be left in the clutches of Cosmo, the megalomaniac played by Ben Kingsley. There are lots of Mission Impossible style capers, wisecracks, and outright comedy to carry us through.

Dan Akroyd has a hilarious character to play, an off-the-wall conspiracy theorist who believes the Apollo landings were a hoax and that the CIA causes earthquakes in third-world countries. In true Dirty Dozen style, each member of the team has his or her own unique ability to contribute to the good of all. All ends well, of course, with our heroes amusingly wielding the upper hand.