Taking of Pelham 1 2 3
This movie is about the hijacking of a New York City subway train by a group of armed men demanding a million dollars.
This is a brilliant example of the 70s thriller. Clear, crisp and exciting. The movie takes no time to start and soon catches speed much like a subway train. A lot of dry politically incorrect political humor and fast pace make this movie a treat. This is one of those rare completely unpretentious movies that gives you complete excitement -- but mind you -- nothing else.
The premise in itself is exciting. It is easy enough to hijack a subway train as there is little or no security but the catch is the escape route. There just isn't any.
Walter Matthau plays Lt. Garber, chief of subway security. He is cool and confident but not too cool -- a bit aging. He is indeed very good. Robert Shaw ( Jaws ) plays the chief hijacker brilliantly. He is systematic and cruel and very efficient.
It is interesting to note that the hijackers use name of colors for each other -- Mr. Blue, Mr. Grey, Mr. Brows, etc; a technique used to a brilliant effect by Mr. Tarantino, eighteen years later in 1992 in his classic caper 'Reservoir Dogs'.
This is a brilliant example of the 70s thriller. Clear, crisp and exciting. The movie takes no time to start and soon catches speed much like a subway train. A lot of dry politically incorrect political humor and fast pace make this movie a treat. This is one of those rare completely unpretentious movies that gives you complete excitement -- but mind you -- nothing else.
The premise in itself is exciting. It is easy enough to hijack a subway train as there is little or no security but the catch is the escape route. There just isn't any.
Walter Matthau plays Lt. Garber, chief of subway security. He is cool and confident but not too cool -- a bit aging. He is indeed very good. Robert Shaw ( Jaws ) plays the chief hijacker brilliantly. He is systematic and cruel and very efficient.
It is interesting to note that the hijackers use name of colors for each other -- Mr. Blue, Mr. Grey, Mr. Brows, etc; a technique used to a brilliant effect by Mr. Tarantino, eighteen years later in 1992 in his classic caper 'Reservoir Dogs'.