Expertly made and satisfyingly entertaining, if progressively less likely, this is yet another thriller that shows us the American president up to his neck in chicanery. Master burglar Luther (Clint Eastwood), retired for many years, plans one last job: to rob a rich presidential supporter (EG Marshall), currently away from his vast mansion. He's trapped in the vault by the arrival of the owner's wife (Melora Hardin) and her latest lover, the Prez himself (Gene Hackman). Murder ensues, witnessed by Luther through a two-way mirror. At first intending to flee the country, Luther's turned around by the Prez's crocodile tears on TV for the bereaved man. And when secret servicemen target Luther's daughter (Laura Linney), the old maestro really moves into action. In spite of the strong cast, Eastwood, who even composed some of the music, dominates the film as the laid-back thief. You're on his side to such a degree as to even swallow developments in the last reel that border on the incredible.

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