Tonally one of the most confusing things I’ve seen. The directing isn't poor, but it constantly bounces between a grimy, atmospheric 70s crime thriller and something that wants to be a lot sillier. It’s reflected very well in the performances, none of the actors feel like they’re in the same movie together. The more eccentric performances are kinda bad, and a lot of the cheesy (occasionally corny) attempts at comedy didn’t work, thereby killing most of the tension for me. In terms of character and story there’s not a whole lot going on. The story feels like an early pioneer for the Die Hard type premise, and while it’s always fun to see criminals hatch a ludicrous plan, this is in no way the smartest take on that idea. The twists in the second half and execution of the final set piece are decent enough, I love the note that it ends on in particular. Still, the characters are all pretty thin and lack proper definition, I didn’t find myself caring for anyone in particular. It’s just this really awkward mismatch of ideas. Either go the crime thriller route with good acting and a darker sense of humour that doesn’t break the tone (like Reservoir Dogs), or go the full blown operatic, cheesy route (like Speed).
5/10
Hijacking a metro is a bad idea.
The fact is, they remade this several times, all failing miserably to capture the atmosphere that this classic has.
While I miss the late Tony Scott. I disagree, that his remake is superior. Like he once said. When all it did is add more violence and cursing.
With Denzel less interesting than Walter Matheu was. Will he survive the day, to bring his wife home a gallon of milk ? Who cares ?
This is original is a better made mystery and crime film. With a fantastic cast at the top of their game and a funny yet brilliant ending.
When it comes to original vs remake always go with the original. More often than not you end up with the better picture.
Shout by Carlos Fernando IbarraBlockedParent2017-03-16T08:32:11Z
Some great tension is piled on, which is relieved by bits of humor from the cast. I love the claustrophobic setting, also how it's such a time capsule of 70s New York.