"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
15 Reviews
Watchable TV Movie Cleans Up Nice
secragt23 April 2003
Warning: Spoilers
Many TV Movies use titillation and tabloid pablum as a hook / come on. This one starts with a slow and obvious setup, but just as it appears headed toward MOW cliché-ville at several key points, the train switches tracks and takes you somewhere still familiar but decidedly unexpected. The result, while hardly groundbreaking, is eminently superior to most made-for-TV fare.
Mamet graduate Macy obviously recognizes the lack of heart in even his mentor's best and most intricately-produced cons from The Spanish Prisoner to The Heist to House of Games and gives an extra helping of humanity in this film. Macy's body of work shows grifts clearly interest him, but surprisingly, most of the scams in this movie are not very clever or original. Still, the care with which DeMornay's and Macy's characters are laid out is the real con of the movie. The realistic way DeMornay insinuates herself into Macy's character's life and the special attention given to their bizarre courtship rings surprisingly true, an important foundation for what follows.
Playing fair with credibility is a strong point to the story. In a nice move, Macy's character initially appears to be an all too easy and dull-witted mark but we soon learn Macy actually harbors well-founded suspicions about DeMornay. Demornay gently overcomes these but Macy remains realistically worried about "why a woman like you would want with a guy like me." Later, when DeMornay's bad news crony/boyfriend catches up with her in Mayberry, we are given a logical explanation on how he tracked her down (thru the shady player DeMornay enlists to impersonate her sister), something most con movies trying to ratchet up conflict never bother to explain. This one does.
The movie also has a sweet and unexpected interlude wherein DeMornay finds herself forced to teach elementary school, resulting in her helping a troubled kid in spite of herself. This is a moment where we expect the con to unravel but events conspire to allow DeMornay get away with things a little while longer. It is a pleasant surprise and the kid's character is utilized later with a decent payoff, as well.
Plot points are organized such that we are privy to Macy's early knowledge of his inheritance and we question why he doesn't confront DeMornay immediately, but the explanation comes later in dialogue with his momma (nicely played by Frances Sternhagen, Cliff Clavin's crotchety mom from CHEERS.) Macy reveals that he knew what DeMornay was doing but didn't care because he was bored with his life and she made his life interesting and him happy. He was willing to ride it out and see where it went, with no illusions or expectations. Nicely handled.
There are some flaws. DeMornay's faked death at the climax fools no one. Honestly, none of the cons could be called original. Beyond the leads, there are a few too many good ole boy southern caricatures. Still, giving the mark unexpected dignity and common sense helps to lift and challenge DeMornay to good effect.
DeMornay's moral transformation at the end is a little pat but somehow Macy has earned it by understanding what she is and choosing not to judge. One doubts whether they will stay together long term, but the conceit of the movie suggests that DeMornay has been slightly redeemed by Macy and hopefully won't do him dirt. By the same token, this movie won't seduce you with its beauty or change your life with dizzyingly witty repartee, but it still has its charms and cleans up nice.
Mamet graduate Macy obviously recognizes the lack of heart in even his mentor's best and most intricately-produced cons from The Spanish Prisoner to The Heist to House of Games and gives an extra helping of humanity in this film. Macy's body of work shows grifts clearly interest him, but surprisingly, most of the scams in this movie are not very clever or original. Still, the care with which DeMornay's and Macy's characters are laid out is the real con of the movie. The realistic way DeMornay insinuates herself into Macy's character's life and the special attention given to their bizarre courtship rings surprisingly true, an important foundation for what follows.
Playing fair with credibility is a strong point to the story. In a nice move, Macy's character initially appears to be an all too easy and dull-witted mark but we soon learn Macy actually harbors well-founded suspicions about DeMornay. Demornay gently overcomes these but Macy remains realistically worried about "why a woman like you would want with a guy like me." Later, when DeMornay's bad news crony/boyfriend catches up with her in Mayberry, we are given a logical explanation on how he tracked her down (thru the shady player DeMornay enlists to impersonate her sister), something most con movies trying to ratchet up conflict never bother to explain. This one does.
The movie also has a sweet and unexpected interlude wherein DeMornay finds herself forced to teach elementary school, resulting in her helping a troubled kid in spite of herself. This is a moment where we expect the con to unravel but events conspire to allow DeMornay get away with things a little while longer. It is a pleasant surprise and the kid's character is utilized later with a decent payoff, as well.
Plot points are organized such that we are privy to Macy's early knowledge of his inheritance and we question why he doesn't confront DeMornay immediately, but the explanation comes later in dialogue with his momma (nicely played by Frances Sternhagen, Cliff Clavin's crotchety mom from CHEERS.) Macy reveals that he knew what DeMornay was doing but didn't care because he was bored with his life and she made his life interesting and him happy. He was willing to ride it out and see where it went, with no illusions or expectations. Nicely handled.
There are some flaws. DeMornay's faked death at the climax fools no one. Honestly, none of the cons could be called original. Beyond the leads, there are a few too many good ole boy southern caricatures. Still, giving the mark unexpected dignity and common sense helps to lift and challenge DeMornay to good effect.
DeMornay's moral transformation at the end is a little pat but somehow Macy has earned it by understanding what she is and choosing not to judge. One doubts whether they will stay together long term, but the conceit of the movie suggests that DeMornay has been slightly redeemed by Macy and hopefully won't do him dirt. By the same token, this movie won't seduce you with its beauty or change your life with dizzyingly witty repartee, but it still has its charms and cleans up nice.
WOW! This movie is...
Go_Skins21 February 2005
I was flipping around the channels the other day when I came across this particular movie. I saw in the credits that it had Rebecca DeMornay and William Macy in it so it had to be somewhat decent. I started to watch it and it was a little slow at first trying to get the story going. It later picks up and before you know it, it's over! I liked the storyline once it got going. I've seen other DeMornay films and I hadn't seen this one yet. They really can't compare to each other. You hear a lot about Willim Macy and all his films but I have never seen any of his stuff until now. Man! Is he a great actor or what! This movie has it's good points and it's bad points. It's definitely worth watching!
Amusing
JCR-43 September 1999
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.
Why Wasn't This Script A Cinema Production ?
Theo Robertson26 May 2004
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
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
A charming film worth taking the time to watch
med_197821 October 2005
I recently saw this movie for the second time expecting it to be one of these films that having seen it once, doesn't seem much the second time round. Surprisingly I found it to be better than I remembered. Both Rebecca De Mornay & William H Macy give good performances and it is well above your usual TV fodder because of this. It is not a spectacular film or action packed nor does it have a surprise twist ending but it moves along at a reasonable pace and never leaves you bored. There are some lighthearted moments and the script is decent too. Both actors are believable in there roles. De Mornay is very entertaining and radiant and her character is very easy to warm to, even though she is a con woman, and Macy is good as the simple but likable sap, who falls for De Mornay's charms. The film is fairly predictable but well acted. Ultimately even though you have an idea where the film is taking you, you'll have a good time getting there.
A Must for fans of the two leads & worth watching even if you are not. I would say it is well worth between 6 and 6 1/2 out of 10. and more entertaining than your average summer blockbuster.
A Must for fans of the two leads & worth watching even if you are not. I would say it is well worth between 6 and 6 1/2 out of 10. and more entertaining than your average summer blockbuster.
Decent concept but terrible execution
bellino-angelo201424 July 2023
While I don't do a steady diet of made for TV movies I often watch them for the cast members and I saw so many great ones. I had high hopes for THE CON because of the plot that could have been used for a theater movie but when I saw this last May I could see why it could have never made it on the big screen.
Barbara Beaton (Rebecca De Mornay) is a con woman that is always lucky in stealing rich men's fortunes. When the story begins the man that even succedded to marry dies and after the funeral it seems like hope will be lost for her. Until she casually meets Bobby Sommerdinger (William Macy), they fall in love and marry despite Bobby still lives with his cranky old mother and oddly enough, they don't move from his house. More the time passes, more it becomes clear that Barbara wants to do this with Bobby and as he discovers it he will do everything to stop her, but as it progressed I didn't care for the characters and only waited that the entire movie ended.
I guess that what ruined this film is that the script probably was written well in the first stage but some lunkhead thought that it was necessary a re-write. Yes, but it should have been a re-write that might have improved it. Various illogical actions and plot holes that thankfully I erased from my memory, make this a TV movie easy to skip.
Barbara Beaton (Rebecca De Mornay) is a con woman that is always lucky in stealing rich men's fortunes. When the story begins the man that even succedded to marry dies and after the funeral it seems like hope will be lost for her. Until she casually meets Bobby Sommerdinger (William Macy), they fall in love and marry despite Bobby still lives with his cranky old mother and oddly enough, they don't move from his house. More the time passes, more it becomes clear that Barbara wants to do this with Bobby and as he discovers it he will do everything to stop her, but as it progressed I didn't care for the characters and only waited that the entire movie ended.
I guess that what ruined this film is that the script probably was written well in the first stage but some lunkhead thought that it was necessary a re-write. Yes, but it should have been a re-write that might have improved it. Various illogical actions and plot holes that thankfully I erased from my memory, make this a TV movie easy to skip.
The Con
kebroome6 August 2007
I was flipping through channels and this movie was just starting. I said what the heck and decided to watch it. I was super surprised how wonderful it was!!! It is one of those movies that you can forget what is around you, and just enjoy.
With all the horrid stuff that you see at the movies,.and the big name stars, and the advertisements everywhere, and the movies turn out to be crap? Sometimes I feel like just giving up on new films that come out. Anayway this movie was a breath of fresh air. I loved the names they picked, and the southern touches, and how he loved Nancy no matter what. happened. We need more kinds of movies like this. I am going to buy it. Wish it was on DVD.
With all the horrid stuff that you see at the movies,.and the big name stars, and the advertisements everywhere, and the movies turn out to be crap? Sometimes I feel like just giving up on new films that come out. Anayway this movie was a breath of fresh air. I loved the names they picked, and the southern touches, and how he loved Nancy no matter what. happened. We need more kinds of movies like this. I am going to buy it. Wish it was on DVD.
Ahh, the hitch 'n' ditch ...
hub-side27 May 2004
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.
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.
Surprisingly watchable!
Scamp-410 May 2000
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.
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.
This movie loves its characters, and so did I.
tjwprf22 July 2007
I love this little gem of a movie. Plot is important because it is the contrivance which brings two people from completely different worlds together but once they are, it is characters which drive it forward. Two aunts are the movie's sirens -- one cynical, the other accepting, but for the same reasons. One is terrified Macy's character will be hurt, the other that he'll never know happiness. This good heartedness lurks below the surface of all the characters, though they have not necessarily brought out the best in each other until, paradoxically, deMornay's outsider arrives and upsets the balance in the small town where the story takes place. Macy is brilliant as a mope of a man willing to play dumb and dumber if that's what it takes to share time with the lovely deMornay. And because of the con, her character must step aside and show her gentlest and best self. DeMornay glows as a woman filled with wonderment when good people respond to her innate goodness. If you like movies that love their characters, flaws and all, don't miss this one.
A Surprisingly charming story!
OJT15 August 1999
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!
Rebecca DeMornay and William Macy make this a cute, entertaining "con" movie.
TxMike28 September 2001
Warning: Spoilers
SPOILERS - William H Macy writes quirky little movies and this is one of them. He also stars, however instead of his usual character he is a meek, trusting Southerner. I've always liked DeMornay, from her role in "Risky Buisness" to "Hand That Rocks the Cradle." She has a mysterious, feline, sexy look, even when she is dressed as a common southerner. She is the con woman who sets out to get Macy to fall for her. In the process she actually finds she likes him, has to fake her death and cremation to escape the "mob", and the film ends with the two of them driving off in his truck, presumably to start a new life together. Good entertainment, especially for fans, like me, of DeMornay and Macy.
Should have been on the big screen
sonopolly8 October 2006
Warning: Spoilers
This movie had the quality of a GOOD big screen movie. Rebecca DeMornay and absolutely William Macy are of big screen caliber and the story is better than most suspense movies out there. I think this would appeal to both men and women alike -- some action and thrills, yet extremely romantic and if you ask me, men like romance too. This one would especially appeal to men because the nice guy doomed to a dull half life gets the gorgeous girl. Since I added this -- I had to click the "spoiler" button. Anyway, I never was a big fan of Miss DeMornay's until viewing this and well, who can't just admire and respect and love William Macy!
Macy's Special
zig-zag24 August 2000
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.
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.
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