James Spader is a former cop-turned-bank robber in THE STICKUP. In the course of the robbery and getaway, things don't go quite as planned and Spader ends up wounded. Fortunately, prior to to the robbery, he has met a nurse (Leslie Stefanson of THE GENERAL'S DAUGHTER) who helps him mend in her home. Problem is, she's the ex of local deputy sheriff David Keith, who is hot on Spader's trail and keeping a close eye on his ex at the same time. John Livingston plays a boyish FBI agent sent in to take over the case, and provides some needed comic relief. The film employs several critical flashbacks without being confusing. It also is quite suspenseful. Spader as always is low-key and a pleasure to watch. A perfect little crime drama for watching on the small screen.

Rowdy Herrington's "The Stickup" turned out to be a surprise when it turned up recently on cable. Not having seen it before, we decided to take a chance, which paid up because of the interesting work the director gets out of the star of the film, James Spader. "The Stickup" makes a case for appearing to be something on the surface, while being something else in reality. John Parker, the cop that decides to take a trip up north to clear his head knows about the corruption in his own department and feels horrible about the death of his good partner during a stake out in L.A. When we see him at the beginning of the film bleeding at a church, little do we know what he has been involved in. For all appearances, John has robbed the bank and has gotten away with all the money. An FBI agent is assigned to the case; he is an inexperienced young man who appears not to have a clue of what he is doing, but by looking to clues in the video tape about the bank heist, he will solve the mystery.The film is greatly helped by James Spader, who as John Parker is the best thing in the movie. Leslie Stefanson, is Natalie, the nurse who believes in Parker even when all the evidence points out to his guilt. David Keith is perfectly obnoxious as the sheriff. "The Stickup" is a small film that packs a great punch!

Okay, so this is a rather low-budget movie. Probably half of the budget went to mister Spader's fee so there was not much left to go around, but:-I have seen worse movies. -The camera-work is good. -The acting is good. -The plot is not difficult but never tries to be.All in all, I had fun watching it and if you ever get in a place where it rains all day and you are bored out of your skull, this one would at least tie you up for an hour or so.

This movie is so good, I watched it 5 times before I returned the rental. I purchased a copy, and have seen it at least 7 more times. James Spader is one of my favorite actors, and this film was a proper vehicle for him. The fact that it had a plot (bank robbery), subplot (his illegal past), and a plot twist (he didn't do it), made it a complete film. I hope I haven't spoiled it for anyone.