Engaging at first, but later runs out of steam

Rating: 6/10 (22 April 2001)

What can I say about this movie? Pacino's performance was excellent, and he definitely deserved acclaim for his great work in this movie. I also liked Charles Durning, who did a fine job as the hostage negotiator. Sidney Lumet is a talented director, who specializes in intense dramas and is good at stirring up the atmosphere for moments of intrigue.
The film starts out very engaging, with a premise that locks you in. The opening scenes are handled really well. I like how we get to know the characters in the bank on an almost-intimate level. But the film stretches. It stretches itself a little too long, with scenes that could've been considered for the cutting room floor. The intensity just seems to dampen as the film passes the halfway mark. The intrigue is lost, and we're watching soapy interactions between Sonny and his gay lover, as well as his angry wife. The climactic scene is a little disappointing and could've been more exciting.
I wouldn't rate "Dog Day Afternoon" as one of Lumet's best--though it does contain one of Pacino's best performances. There are some memorable moments, but the film--as a whole--is less-than-memorable.
My score: 6 (out of 10)