Watch The Hot Rock

The Hot Rock is a 1972 comedy-adventure film directed by Peter Yates and starring Robert Redford, George Segal, and Ron Leibman. The film is based on a novel of the same name by Donald E. Westlake. The plot revolves around John Dortmunder (Robert Redford), a professional thief who is just released from prison. Soon after his release, he is approached by his lifelong friend and partner in crime, Andy Kelp (George Segal), who proposes a daring heist. The target is a valuable diamond known as the Sahara Stone, which is on display in a New York City museum. The catch is that the diamond is supposed to be cursed, and whoever attempts to steal it will be beset by misfortune.

Despite their reservations about the curse, Dortmunder and Kelp agree to the job and round up a team of fellow criminals, including a demolitions expert (Ron Leibman), a driver (Paul Sand), and a lookout (Moses Gunn). They eventually succeed in stealing the diamond, but their luck quickly turns when they are intercepted by a group of corrupt cops who confiscate the diamond and demand a share of the loot. This starts off a wild and unpredictable chain of events as Dortmunder and his team race to recover the diamond and outwit the various parties that are after it.

The Hot Rock is an entertaining and often hilarious caper film that features a strong ensemble cast and witty dialogue. Robert Redford and George Segal have great chemistry as Dortmunder and Kelp, respectively, and their banter and bickering are a highlight of the film. Ron Leibman is also enjoyable as Murch, an explosive expert who is prone to temper tantrums.

The film is also notable for its New York City setting, which is used to great effect in several scenes. The heist itself takes place at the Brooklyn Museum, and later scenes involve car chases through the streets of Manhattan and a climactic showdown on the roof of a building.

The Hot Rock also benefits from its quirky sense of humor, which ranges from slapstick to dry wit. The film's heist sequences are often comical in nature, with the criminals bumbling their way through various setbacks and obstacles. However, the script never loses sight of the stakes involved in the heist, and the tension and danger of the situation are always present.

Overall, The Hot Rock is a fun and entertaining film that will appeal to fans of heist movies and comedies. While it may not be as well-known as some of Redford's other films, it is a worthwhile and enjoyable addition to his filmography.