Review of The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) by Robin W — 20 Apr 2009

A somewhat inevitable remake of this film is being released into theaters this fall and is being marketed as a fairly serious thriller; it will be interesting to see how it compares to the original, which not only works well as a thriller, but has a great sense of humor as well.

If there was a drawback to the John Godey novel this movie was based on, it was that it lacked a strong central protagonist, but this adaptation wisely expands the role of one of its characters and establishes its comic credentials by casting Walter Matthau, whose dry wit keeps the film moving along nicely.

With the majority of the action taking place behind desks and in a stopped subway car in the middle of a tunnel, the story runs the risk of dragging, but colorful characters, hilarious dialogue ("Screw the god damn passengers! What the hell did they expect for their lousy 35 cents?! To live forever?!") and satirical jabs at New York ensure that things are always entertaining; it all builds up to very amusing and clever ending that provides a great comeuppance for one of its villains.