Product: French Connection [VHS] (1971)
Rating: 5.0
Set a precedent for cop/action movies of the past 28 years
Not only is The French Connection the movie that became a model for such films in later years, it still stands out from the rest for its blistering true-to-life screenplay and powerful performances by the leads. Hackman as Doyle is gritty and urgent, exuding bulldog tenacity and robust charm. Scheider is fantastic, his deadpan, streetwise humor the perfect foil to Hackman's hot-under-the-collar performance. Fernando Rey shines as the clever "importer" whose fine wardrobe and luxurious tastes provide a stark contrast to the tired and frustrated cops tailing him. Don't expect the film to compete in action thrills with some of the films made today (except for the much-vaunted car chase scene); do know that it stands head and shoulders above most of them with top-notch writing and top-level acting.