The Hot Rock | | Cast : | Robert Redford, George Segal | | Director : | Peter Yates | | Studio : | Fox Home Entertainme | | Format : | Color, Closed-captioned, Widescreen | | Released Date : | January 01, 1972 | | DVD Released Date : | May 20, 2003 | | Language : | French (Dubbed), English (Original Language), Spanish (Original Language), English (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled) | | Audience Rating : | PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) | | | BUY THIS DVD FROM AMAZON |
Customer Reviews
| Rating |  | | Date | August 10, 2005 | | Summary | Great Deadpan Comedy Ensemble Piece | Content
 | Robert Redford was such a gigantic star in the early 70's that it was decidedly rare for any of his vehicles to fall between the cracks. This one did, though, and it's a crying shame. (Would that "Indecent Proposal and "The Last Castle" had.) He would later dismiss this film, claiming that it didn't work because the director, the Brit Peter Yates, didn't 'get' American humor. I would suggest that he conduct a reappraisal.
"The Hot Rock" inverts the standard heist plot by offering a crew of crooks--Redford, George Segal, Rob Leibman, and Second City's Paul Sand--who aren't super-slick masterminds or bumbling fools. They're fairly ordinary guys who manage to pull off the theft of a diamond, only to find that the original crime begets more and more crimes. As Moses Gunn puts it perfectly at one point, "I've heard of the habitual criminal, but never the habitual crime."
The comedy is played dry, sometimes VERY dry, but once you catch the rhythm it's hilarious. Watch for Leibman and his mother listening to an album of a racetrack--yes, an album of a racetrack--when they live 100 yards from the freeway. And watch especially for the scene on the shore, as Sand demos his various homemade bombs for Redford. This one is Sahara dry. I was rolling on the floor the first time I saw it. |
| Rating | | | Date | July 28, 2005 | | Summary | Entertaining romp | Content
| Top actors that are always worth watching in a cooky romp that entertains you with the exagerated situations and stunts. |
| Rating | | | Date | April 09, 2005 | | Summary | Never thought I'd see this on DVD | Content
| Another five star review? Well I usually review just my all-time favorites and since I am reviewing this I can say THE HOT ROCK is one of my favorite movies of all time, even if Robert Redford didn't think so. You see, I've read that Redford never had much regard for this film, which might be considered as a minor or lesser effort. In fact he was against having this film released in DVD format. Apparently that request slipped through his fingers as it's available on DVD now.
This might seem to some as a pleasant but unspectacutar Saturday afternoon or 3:00 AM tv movie. It's basically a light comedy with likeable heroes and villains. Nobody gets hurt or dies. There's no bad language or nudity (I like that!!). However, the plot is actually complex and interesting. The plot revolves around the stealing and recovery of the Sahara Stone from the Brooklyn Museum. This priceless diamond is stolen by Robert Redford and his gang through elaborate scheming. Although Redford was in prison and he loses the diamond during the course of the film, his character always seems to be wise. We know that he will succeed in regaining the stone before the end. However, the final twist, which I shall not reveal, is a great touch, and keeps the viewer interested and on the edge of his/her seat.
One other thing I like about this film is that it was shot on location in New York City and Long Island in May/June 1971.
I live here, so I recognize many of the locations. For example, the "State Prison" is actually Nassau County Jail (there is actually no state prison on Long Island). The outside of the Jail where George Segal meets Robert Redford is right on Carmans Avenue in East Meadow. Later in the film they rescue Paul Sand from the prison, and drive off past Modell's Shopping Center on Hempstead Turnpike. The shot of the still-under-construction World Trade Center (during the helicopter scene)is timeless.
It's good that this movie is available on DVD. Although it's a blast from the past, it holds up well after all these years. |
| Rating | | | Date | March 03, 2005 | | Summary | "Afghanistan Banana Stand" | Content
| I must have seen this movie at least 20 times on TV before I finally broke down and bought it on DVD...A very funny and enjoyable flick !!!..I love Ron Liebman's character , this is his best work since 'Slaughterhouse Five'...The whole helicopter scene is a riot from start to finish , every time I think of that cop in the station when the radio and phones go dead( well,did you try monkeying with it) I have to laugh...This movie is a true comedy without one cussword or nudity or bathroom joke...Good for the whole family and I am sure I will watch it another 20 times... |
| Rating | | | Date | November 08, 2004 | | Summary | Say A Prayer And Maybe God Will Reward You | Content
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I wouldn't say this of a comedy often but... sometimes when you watch them again (and even again), and you notice they keep getting funnier, you know you have a good one. You know that someone's crafted something different. Special. The Hot Rock falls into that category (if there is one).
Redford reteams with William Goldman (who wrote Butch & The Kid). It's a caper film and with a team of characters with names like Dortmunder/Kelp/Greenberg and Murch, you're already in trouble.
The casting is perfect. George Segal, Paul Sands and Ron Liebman round out Redford's team- and they are all priceless. Moses Gunn and Zero Mostel are excellent in their supporting roles.
What I personally think makes this comedy wonderful is, it's written by and American and starring Americans but it's directed by a Brit (Peter Yates). Goldman supplies the lines and I think Yates looked for character traits and the subtle little screw ups in the scenes where they're trying to advance the cause or steal the stone. ie: Murch (with his love of cars), playing a record of the Indy car race on his stereo for his Mom, cracking a beer and they're both in heaven, listening, while in the background- they live right next to the freeway and no one else (who is normal) would be able to hear or notice the difference! " Turn the treble up, Stan! " Funny stuff!
Moses Gunn's face is priceless as they repeatedly hand him the material request needs list, each time they fail. " Will it upset me? " " Yes, " Segal replies, straight faced. " I think it's safe to say so, sir. "
And watch for the priceless sight gag Mostel makes, introducing himself as the lawyer.
It's a film about Murphy's Law and just how funny it can be. We all experience it from time to time, in each of our lives. These poor guys experience it every time they step out the door.
This is witty stuff and a group effort all the way. Redford's the star but you'd never know it. They all shine and they all share. They bounce off of one another (much like he and Newman did in Butch), and it's fun to watch.
If you're looking for a really good caper film that's clever, funny and a good one for some repeat viewings, check out the Hot Rock.
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