More than classic.

Rating: 9/10 (10 September 2006)

This one's one of the greatest Pacino movies ever. Generally, I'd say that the 70s were very kind to him, since he starred in many great films: "The Godfather I and II", "And justice for all" and this one. On the other hand, Lumet was also at his artistic peak during that time. It was such a combination; Nothing could possibly go wrong.
The plot is based on real facts: Two miserable guys intend to do a robbery, but everything goes the wrong way. Before they split, the police arrive. Being quite desperate, they search for a helping hand in the mob that surrounds the bank, who see them as anti-heroes. All of a sudden, they are the heroes of the day; but they are also desperate.
The movie goes through a lot of major issues, which appeared in the 70s, but continue to concern us even today: the press exploitation, the human desperation, the need for working-class heroes, the good and the wicked cops. It's all here. And to be more pleasant about it, it's not a sheer drama. Once the transvestite appears, comedy starts slipping in.
I have to admit that it's not a flawless movie. I was quite shocked when that transvestite came in. But I still adore the whole atmosphere of the film, the fact that it's full of energy going on, even though it's generally a slow movie. And the finally scene is quite astonishing. It's a fast, surprising, but silent, scene. It captures the atmosphere of feeling disappointed exquisitely. I recommend it to anyone who'd like to see a great, but demanding, film.