The defence The Adrenaline Seeker
“Momentum is a formal choice.”
The velocity sharpens instinct and tension, making every beat land before self-importance can settle in.
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The Taking of Pelham One Two Three
Crime · Thriller · Action · 1974
In New York, armed men hijack a subway car and demand a ransom for the passengers while the authorities question about the method of their escape.
Movie details
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three
“We are going to kill one passenger a minute until New York City pays us 1 million dollars.”
1974 Crime · Thriller · Action 1h 45m
Critical arithmetic
One number, for now.
Scores change. Arguments endure.
TMDB
7.5 / 10
Community rating
In New York, armed men hijack a subway car and demand a ransom for the passengers while the authorities question about the method of their escape.
CriticWise case file
What this film says about your taste.
Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.
The archetype split
Who fights over The Taking of Pelham One Two Three?
For the defence
The Adrenaline Seeker
“If it slows down, you check your phone.”
Read their case For the prosecution
The Auteur Devotee
“You watch the director, not the movie.”
Read their objectionThe split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.
Taste neighbourhood
Nearby on the taste map.
TMDB supplies the candidates. CriticWise reorders them by craft, strangeness, prestige, emotion, and pace.
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In a world ravaged by crime, the entire island of Manhattan has been converted into a walled prison where brutal prisoners roam free. After the US president crash-lands inside, war hero Snake Plissken has 24 hours to bring him back.
Play Dirty
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Beirut
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The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3
Crime · 2009
Armed men hijack a New York City subway train, holding the passengers hostage in return for a ransom, and turning an ordinary day's work for dispatcher Walter Garber into a face-off with the mastermind behind the crime.
21 Bridges
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An embattled NYPD detective, is thrust into a citywide manhunt for a pair of cop killers after uncovering a massive and unexpected conspiracy. As the night unfolds, lines become blurred on who he is pursuing, and who is in pursuit of him.
The Fate of the Furious
Action · 2017
When a mysterious woman seduces Dom into the world of crime and a betrayal of those closest to him, the crew face trials that will test them as never before.
Trapped
Thriller · 2002
When their daughter is abducted by experienced kidnappers, the Jennings turn the tables on their seemingly fool-proof plan.
Rampage: Capital Punishment
Action · 2014
A man takes over a TV station and holds a number of hostages as a political platform to awaken humanity, instead of money.
The Last Stand
Action · 2013
Ray Owens is sheriff of the quiet US border town of Sommerton Junction after leaving the LAPD following a bungled operation. Following his escape from the FBI, a notorious drug baron, his gang, and a hostage are heading toward Sommerton Junction where the police are preparing to make a last stand to intercept them before they cross the border. Owens is reluctant to become involved but ultimately joins in with the law enforcement efforts.
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Names above the title
The people responsible.
Cast & crew
Directed by
Joseph Sargent
Written by
Peter Stone
Walter Matthau
Lieutenant Garber
Robert Shaw
Blue
Martin Balsam
Green
Héctor Elizondo
Grey
Earl Hindman
Brown
James Broderick
Denny Doyle
Dick O'Neill
Correll
Court is in session
Put The Taking of Pelham One Two Three on trial.
Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.
The prosecution The Auteur Devotee
“Speed as an alibi.”
The film races past its weak spots and hopes acceleration will keep the audience from inspecting the evidence.