Review of The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) by Kakei C — 06 Dec 2007
A ruthless gang with colour coded pseudonyms (sound familiar?!) and automatic weapons hijack a New York subway train in this hugely entertaining heist movie. Walter Matthau is at his sardonic best as the transport cop in charge of the situation, with Robert Shaw as the coldblooded mercenary heading the hijackers, including Hector Elizondo as the obligatory psychotic loose cannon ("Why do think they threw him out of the mafia?"!) It concentrates more on the dialogue and characters to build tension than fireworks, including some great behind the scenes banter as the mix of trademark New Yorker foul-mouthed ill temper, pragmatism and sarcasm come into effect when dealing with the situation, all set to a cool Schifrin-esque soundtrack.
One of the best thrillers of the 70s.
This review of The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) was written by Kakei C on 06 Dec 2007.
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
