The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) (First viewing; f.o.c.) – 8/10
Four men led by a mercenary (Robert Shaw) hijack a downtown New York City subway car and demand a $1.000.000 ransom, threatening to kill the hostages one by one if their demand is not fulfilled within an hour. The New York City Transit Authority police headed by Lieutenant Zach Garber (Walter Matthau) is forced to apprehend the terrorists and neutralize the hostile situation.
I watched the 2009 remake but didn’t quite like it despite the strong cast and director. The original, on the other hand, took me by surprise. I’ve never seen any of Walter Matthau’s films. His face looks more like a comedian than a character actor. I’ve noticed some flaws in the movie but the good elements of this 1974 thriller outweigh them: the dialog, directing, editing, music, and the ending! Despite playing more like an action thriller, some scenes are laced with unintentionally comedic moments which, surprisingly, work.
Martin Balsam, Hector Elizondo co-star, Joseph Sargent directs.
The 42nd A.E. BD is slated for release in July and I’ve pre-ordered a copy
Report to the Commissioner (First viewing; f.o.c.) – 7.5/10
A by-the book, idealistic rookie detective Bo Lockley (Michael Moriarty) is assigned to a stakeout of a live-in girlfriend (Susan Blakely) of a drug dealer nicknamed Stick (Tony King). Not knowing that she is another rookie undercover cop, Lockley is led to believe that the runaway Chicklet – the cop’s street name – is the daughter of a politician, and takes the fool’s errand way too seriously. The situation gets complicated when he takes the matter into his own hands, leading to Chicklet’s death. Under pressure and depressed, Lockley must decide on a way out to restore his jeopardized life.
Report to the Commissioner surprisingly makes for compelling viewing with its unusual story-telling that jumps back and forth in time with a voiceover narrating the scenes, like what you see in Casino (1995). This is a gritty police drama with a basic plot that still rings true today. Recommended viewing for those who like 70’s police drama.
Yaphet Kotto, Hector Elizondo, Dana Elcar, William Devane co-star, Milton Katselas directs.