I watched this in preparation for the remake that’s coming out this summer; I saw the poster and my interest was piqued, so I thought I should see the original first. And I’m glad I did. I don’t know if it’s safe to call this an “overlooked” movie, but I’d never heard of it before the remake, and I’m one of the most movie-savvy people I know. It’s a hell of a watch: sarcastically funny, tense and thrilling, and really smart. And there are great turns from the likes of Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, and even Jerry Stiller! A diamond in the rough, worth seeking out if you like suspense movies.

They are currently (2009) in the process of remaking this movie with Denzel Washington in Walter Matthau’s role. Denzel as a hostage negotiator! It never gets old.