Now here's a movie that's enjoyable over and over again

Rating: 9/10 (28 November 1999)

THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION has recently been one of the many movies to be overplayed on a network owned by Ted Turner. This is ironic because this was a box office disappointment. How come no one saw this in theaters? Probably because there's virtually no women. And an R-rated movie with no women means no naked breasts to the guys in America.
But after useless Oscar nominations and a strong audience on video, SHAWSHANK is now considered an agreeably entertaining and moving prison classic.
Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins are perfectly cast together, probably because they are similar kinds of actors. They shine very well when the are side-by-side with another respectable actor. Look at Freeman co-star with Jessica Tandy, Brad Pitt, Denzel Washington, or Kevin Costner. Seem him hold his own in LEAN ON ME or DEEP IMPACT. Look at Robbins co-star with Susan Sarandon, Jeff Bridges, Robin Williams, or Martin Lawerence. See him hold his own in JACOB'S LADDER or THE PLAYER (among other great Altman movies). But what really makes the two relate is the fact that they are fine actors that have proved themselves in fine movies, yet we overlook them when we name living actors who we admire.
If you haven't seen this film yet, you will admire the crafty ending as well as the story or ultimately, the whole movie.
The characters are strongly structured and are never overshadowed by Robbins or Freeman, though those are the two to look at.
The only flaw that I find irritating in this film is the mysterious disappearance of William Sadler's stutter. Did it escape prison?
I have yet to see if THE GREEN MILE surpasses this beaut of cinematic storytelling, but even if it does, this is a movie to be remembered.