Review of The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) by Nesbitt10 — 06 Jan 2013
Outstanding thriller with an entertaining blend of suspense and humor with dynamic performances Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw. Four armed men hijack a New York City subway train and demand $1 million dollars which must be delivered in 1 hour for the train and the lives of the passengers held hostage.
Lt. Zachary Garber (Walter Matthau) of the New York City Transit Police must contend with City Hall, the demands of the hijackers, and the ticking clock in his efforts to save the passengers and bring the hijackers to justice.
The initial hijacking plan doesn't seem to make any sense because their options are so limited. At one point Lt. Garber jokingly says: "They're gonna get away by asking every man, woman and child in New York City to close their eyes and count to a hundred.
" But there is a clever getaway plan coordinated by Mr. Blue (Robert Shaw), who plays a former mercenary soldier. His team members include two professional criminals and a fired motorman (Martin Balsam) with a grudge.
It's the performances and chemistry between Matthau and Shaw, and fine supporting performances that makes this film work. We are drawn in by skillful character development, allow personalities to take shape, giving this thriller charisma and a vitality all of it's own.
This review of The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) was written by Nesbitt10 on 06 Jan 2013.
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three has generally received very positive reviews.
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