THE TAKING OF PELHAM ONE TWO THREE (1974) - ****1/2

Hey New Yorkers, ever wondered why the NYC subway train never leaves Pelham Bay Park at 1:23 PM? This movie, based on the explosive best-selling novel, is why.

Four hijackers, led by a "Mr. Blue" (Robert Shaw) take over a NYC subway train full of hostages, and demand $1 million in cash from the city within a hour, or people will get wasted. Matthau is the Transit cop that tries to keep the shit from hitting the fan.

Superb crime thriller that beats along with your heart, and dammit, I still forget how its a shame that both Robert Shaw isn't with us anymore, and that people mostly remember him for fucking JAWS. Hell, so far he's the ultimate hijacking baddie for movie in terms of smooth and being professional. Hell, his ending alone is something that most other actors would have camped up.

People have told me for years that this is a "lost" crime film classic of the 1970s...and you know what? They might be onto something. Recommendable for crime/thriller fans, along with you nutty insane Tarantino fans, who'll see another movie he "lovingly" ripped off.