Review of The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) by Andrew B — 21 Jan 2012

"The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" is an excellent caper film but, unlike most films of this genre, it does not make the robbers into the good guys. The focus of the story is on the authorities as they try to stop the villains and free the hostages.

Moreover, you will spend the majority of the film wondering how the bad guys can possibly get away. This film isn't about great acting, though Walter Matthau did a great job of extending the plot while subsequently serving as the comic relief.

Instead of relying on its actors, Pelham's story-telling creates a driving intensity that carries the film from curious start to fantastic finish. In fact, the majority of my rating for this film was determined in the final 10 seconds as the story was perfectly resolved.

There is some action, particularly in the epic runaway train scene, but the film is primarily a thriller filled with intrigue. Although it is difficult to distinguish between the bad guys with their matching mustaches, Robert Shaw (from Jaws) is the most memorable villain.

His unpredictability, particularly in his final scene, and mysterious back story kept me wish that he had his own spin-off film. From start to finish, Pelham is entertaining with unpredictable twists.

Its 2009 remake did not receive positive reviews but do not let that hinder you from giving the original masterpiece a try.