Review of The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) by Nate L — 13 Feb 2012

(4 Stars) The Taking of Pelham One Two Three is very much a film of its time. It takes place in the 1970's with all of its politically incorrect glory. It also shows you how much thrillers have changed throughout the years: there are no cell phones, very little surveillance cameras, and digital technology (if any) is in its early form.

Even the villains in thrillers of the 1970's are more subdued; just compare Robert Shaw's calm and cool performance with John Travolta's frantic and hilariously vulgar in the 2009 remake. It was a simpler time and that meant simpler thrillers, like Marathon Man and The French Connection.

So which film gets the edge? The original or the remake? I can't really favor one over the other since it feels like apples and oranges. They share the same basic story, but vary in acting, direction, style, characters, and atmosphere.

Both films have good chemistry between the protagonist and antagonist despite being mostly on a radio. Both are also entertaining from start to finish. There are many reasons to see The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, like the Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw's performances, but my main recommendation is because it's a time capsule of 1970's thrillers.