The Con

I was pleasantly surprised with this movie, as I was waiting for South Park to start directly after it & the TV was only on as background noise.

It's a lovely story of a con-woman in trouble who's life is changed when she tries to con a garage mechanic out of his inheritance (William H. Macy starts out looking like Garth from the Wayne's World series!). Despite the predictable ending, the movie is very watchable & can hold it's own with the likes of the big-budget Notting Hill, etc.

One of those (TV) films that you think is going to be a dud and then surprises you. I was mildly amused throughout the film. Nice performances from the two leads, William H. Macy and Rebecca De Mornay, backed up by a good cast. Not a memorable film, but a pleasant one to pass away the evening.

I wouldn't have watched this if I by a coincidence was seeing the start of it - telling that William H. Macy was both in it and one of the writers. I found the story fun and charming, a small little pearl in the ocean of bad movies. If you like a strange story with no difficulties, and love to see a town original getting a dream girl - this is a fun story most people loving film will be happy to have seen!

Attractive, worldly con-woman seduces and marries small-town rube for his inheritance. Got to end in tears, right?

William H. Macy stars in this delightful hybrid of extortion thriller and romantic comedy. For the bulk of the running time, it's eminently watchable without really treading new ground. Then, just when you think you've got the ending sorted out in your head ...

If, like me, you'd listen to Mr Macy read his grocery list (and likely shout 'encore!' afterwards) then this will not disappoint. If not ... well, it won't disappoint anyway. It's funny, it's moving without being treacly, and best of all, it isn't entirely predictable. Top stuff.

When this little number is screening there is no time to look away.There is not one wasted scene and no frivolous dialogue,even background babble is relevant to key events.

Like a conversation only partially overheard, the viewer sits forward in the seat closely observing in case the slightest detail gets missed.

For me this has all the wonderment of a '50s UK B&W quota quickie, and like Lola Rennt(1998) pace and a tight time limit to grab the cash or it's curtains. The Con(1998) is to me one film which I feel I have been waiting forever for someone to make and for me to see.

Like Stalag 17(1953), knowing the ending only gives a new reason for re-viewing and subsequent viewing reveals more and more detail , as well as unfolding the strong depth of character Rebecca de Mornay developed for Nancy. For me not even A Fish Called Wanda(1988) can match this one for fast paced ingenuity on the part of the leading lady.

William H Macy is brilliant,portraying the character his co-writing developed and the supporting cast seem born to play their roles.

Currently my all time favourite US film.