The Con

"The Con" is much more than just a scam film. There are rare moments of "black comedy", and a nice romance with some scenes almost teetering on tears. William H. Macy has perfected playing interesting introverted characters, such as the meek garage mechanic he plays here. Rebecca De Mornay is convincing as the "hitch and ditch" prospective bride. Except for the ending which is predictable, the film has a few unexpected moments. The acting is solid, and character development is quite good. It was nice to see Mike Nussbaum somewhat resurrect his con artist character from "House of Games". All in all, "The Con", is a way above average TV movie, that is worth seeking out. - MERK

Usually round about midnight BBC1 shows shows American TVMs during the week. They're nearly always those disease of the week crap fests or those murder mysteries where the TV company murders an interesting premise and the only reason I watch them is so I can write a review on this website warning all the visitors not to watch . You got that yet ? I hate TVMs , I hate them but it must have been my lucky week because last night I watched a surprisingly watchable TVM called INFERNO while tonight I watched a highly entertaining TVM entitled THE CON .

Like a great number of TV format movies THE CON has a sound premise featuring a scam and a beautiful con woman on the run but unlike many other TVMs the execution is also well done but best of all the cast are very good. I don't really want to go into all the details but for the most part this is a very amusing crime rom-com . Okay the last third is fairly predictable but that's only to be expected and I found myself thinking that in an era of Summer blockbusters failing so badly at the cinema that they threaten the existence of some film companies why didn't the script writers sell this movie to a major Hollywood studio ? If I was a studio exec I'd have no hesitation in buying and producing this screenplay

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!

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.

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.