iBlog Movie Review – “Dog Day Afternoon”

As per usual, I’m going to review another movie “Dog Day Afternoon” I saw. Although I’m sure many of my fellow readers have already seen “Dog Day Afternoon”, I’ll assume some of you haven’t. Reason I’m quite sure many of my readers have seen “Dog Day Afternoon” is that the movie is from 1975. No, I’m not calling you old, but fact is, most of you are not a teenager like myself.

So I decided to watch “Dog Day Afternoon” after I heard my dad and his friend talking about it. When the words “Al Pacino” hit my ears, I knew I had to watch this. I’m a huge fan of Al Pacino, and can say with confidence that every single movie he has played in is a good watch, Scarface being my favorite though. The two main characters in the movie include Sonny (Pacino) and his friend Sal (Cazale).

Sonny and Sal are both first time bank robbers. They come to rob a bank in Brookyln, New York, in hope of robbing thousands of dollars in order to fund Leon’s sex change operation (Sonnys homosexual lover). Things seemed to be going well, until they realized that there is very little money in the vault. Nonetheless, Sonnys knowledge of banks is tremendous, and even shocks the bank manager. One of the bank tellers tells Sonny that they had transported the money earlier that day. From that point, things only seem to get worse for Sonny and Sal. Shortly after they discover, they receive a phone call from a detective in which they find out the police have been tipped off. Just about every single police officer, FBI agent, and news reporter, is on the scene.

The detective finally convinces Sonny to step outside to see what exactly he is dealing with. After stepping outside, Sonny begins his famous “Atticus” chant, referring to the Atticus Prison Riot in which some 30 inmates were killed. Spectactors of the holdup begin to cheer for Sonny, and at least in my eyes, it seemed like the people saw him as more of a hero than a bank robber.

Possibly a bit of a sidenote, but I think now would be a good time to add this in. As the movie progresses, you really realize that Sonny and Sal aren’t your typical bank robbers. They are very friendly to the hostages, and it seems like the hostages even begin to like them (especially Sonny). Take this for example. At one point in the movie, Sonny demands food for himself, Sal, and the hostages. When the pizza delivery man arrives at the door, Sonny pays the man. I’ve never heard of a bank robber paying for their food during a robbery.

Anyways, a few more hours pass by, and Sonny starts to realize that it is close to impossible for Sal and himself to make it out of there — that is unless they request a helicopter, and a private jet. Sonny has decided that Sal, the hostages, and himself, will flee to Algeria. Their request is granted, except instead of a helicopter, they will receive a limousine bus (the helicopter would not be able to land, as there was not enough room).

From this point on, things got pretty tense. Sonny and Sal need to get all the hostages and themselves into the bus, without being struck down by the hundreds of law enforcement persons. Things go quite well, as they are escorted by many patrol cars to the airport, where the jet is awaiting them. They are only minutes away from making it away, but the driver of the bus had plans. As they were seconds away from getting of the bus, he pulled a pistol from the side of the door, and shot Sal right in the head. As he did, the other detective grabbed Sonny through the window. The half day bank robbery and hostage situation was over. One of the robbers dead, and one to be facing a long prison sentence.

I kind of wanted Al Pacino to get away. I realize it’s just a movie, which is why I say that. I think it would have made for a more interesting finish, and possibly a sequel. Anyways, a great movie to watch! Hope you enjoyed my review of “Dog Day Afternoon”.