The Taking of Pelham One Two Three
In an era before the concept of terrorists holding hos1007.65tages for monetary or political ransom became blasé, when the world was still coming to grips with the reality of the Munich Olympics massacre, came this unconventionally cast and foresightful film about a foursome of hijackers on a Bronx-bound subway train and the New York City transit cop dealing with the crisis. It's one of those under seen, misbegotten films Quentin Tarantino used to play in his video rental store (the inspiration for the colorfully named thieves in Reservoir Dogs and now a remake starring Denzel Washington and John Travolta). Mr. Blue (Shaw) and his cohorts make for serious, if amateur, villains, which makes him the perfect foil for Matthau's smart-aleck transit cop. He shines in his moment of crisis, even though he seems the least qualified to handle it at first. In fact, it's his irreverent disregard for protocol which helps him combat the terrorists—a subtle version of the non-conformist message that became so common in 1970s American cinema.
- June 22, 2009
DVD Extras
Nothing but a theatrical trailer.