This film shows why Al Pacino is rightly regarded as one of the finest actors ever.

Rating: 10/10 (2 March 2001)

Say what you like about the direction of Lumet, which is great, or the performances of the other supporting characters, which are also good; this is Pacino's film. His portrayal of a jittery bank robber who becomes overwhelmed by the pressure his stunt generates is simply magnificent. There are not enough superlatives in the English language to describe it, but here's one more: Masterful.
His performance reels you into the film and never lets you go for the entire running time. It has to be said that some of the credit for this must go to the great script he was given, but it was truly a tour de force from the great man.
He is entertaining whether in scenery chewing mode ("Devils Advocate", occasionally here when the script calls for it) or oozing brooding intensity ("Donnie Brasco", "The Godfather's") Eminently watchable.
I hate to turn this review into a gushing Pacino love-fest, but honestly, the film wouldn't be the true classic it's known as without him. Great film maybe, Classic? No, Pacino elevates it to that level.
An object lesson as to how one man's performance can energise an entire film. Don't believe me? Think of the film without Pacino at its hub and tell me that that particular finished product wouldn't be much the poorer film. Go on, I dare you...!