The Godfather Sandwich

The Sting (1973):
What’s It About?:  Two Chicago con men in the 1930’s (Paul Newman and Robert Redford) decide to get revenge on mean and nasty crime boss Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw), after he kills one of their mutual friends.  But with the cops, the FBI and a notorious hitman are after them, it might be more difficult than they think.
How Good Is It?:  Breezy fun.  In fact, it’s probably the most fun and enjoyable Oscar winner thus far.  Newman and Redford give nice charismatic performances, the script is witty and wise, and its got a sweet sense of nostalgia, owing much to the cute Norman Rockwell-esque title cards.  It’s a well made, charming, and easily memorable film.
Was it Best Picture?: Probably.  It beat out the even more nostalgic American Graffiti, and the excellent Exorcist , but with good reason.  It’s more adult than Graffiti and more family-oriented than Exorcist.  It feels slight, especially being sandwiched between two Godfather films, but it works wonders anyway. It’s like the white stuff in an Oreo cookie.  And truth be told, its even fared better than Paper Moon, Serpico, or any of the other modern classics that weren't nominated the same year.