So what am I saying? What I’m definitely not saying is
that it still isn’t a good film, possibly great film, but it was
indeed a movie of its time. Remember this was one of the first
‘likeable bankrobbers stage heist and get to know the
hostages’ movies, so its to be expected that it was going to play
fresher upon release. Forlornly, we’ve just been inundated with
so many impressionist films since…. that it somewhat takes some
of the sparkle away from Sidney Lumet’s film. Still a great film,
just one that plays a little less novel now because of the amalgamation
of Xeroxes since. For the three of four that haven’t seen
the film, it goes a little something like this : a man (a very young,
but very good Al Pacino) robs a bank so he can get some greenbacks to
pay for his male lovers’ sex-change operation. From the moment he
unpacks his rifle, nothing goes right – and before he knows it,
he’s holding the bank staff hostage and igniting one heck of a
media circus. Though it borders very close to cliché at
times, it never truly does, instead playing as a solid, rather unique
(for its time) and excellently performed picture. What separates this
one from the similar films that followed it, are the ‘real’
characters, impressive performers, and a meaty screenplay. In 1975,
it’s a film that would definitely have chalked up a spot on my
Top Ten list. In 2005, it’s still a great movie….just with
a bit of soot on the surface. DVD
Extras Warner have done an amazing job on the DVD – it looks great, sounds
great and best of all, comes with some choice extras. Director Sidney
Lumet’s commentary is a must-listen – he’s got more information to
share than a prying Jehovah’s Witness. In addition, the one-hour
featurette on the making of the film is also worth a look, it features
interviews with every still-living cast member from the film. Conclusion:
Movie 80% Extras: 70% 
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