ATTICA! ATTICA! ATTICA!! Want to vote on what I should watch next? Click here! www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema FIRST TIME WATCHING JUJUTSU KAISEN Tuesday. Enjoy the day!

Fun fact about John Cazale: every single movie he was in was at least nominated for Best Picture.

The scene where John Cazale declines the cigarettes because "he doesnt want to get the cancer" is especially dark because he would die within the next couple of years due to lung cancer. He was a great actor who elevated every picture he was in. RIP

This is one of my all-time favorite movies, partially because I worked in the banking industry for almost 20 years, much of which involved vault keeping, operations, and auditing. I dislike most heist movies because they're completely unrealistic. I've literally written essays about how hard it would be to pull a grand heist; there are many, _many_ more layers of security than what you see in most films. I could post it here, if you want. But always tell people that Dog Day Afternoon is the most realistic heist movie, _because they fail almost immediately._

Hope “Serpico” will be going onto your reaction list. One of Pacino’s best role.

It’s so much fun watching the younger crowd discover great older movies.

Easily my favorite Al Pacino film soooo brilliantly directed and written so much timeless social commentary but also hilarious it’s a masterpiece

One of the best acting performances ever

12 Angry Men is another masterclass from Sidney Lumet.

This was the time of the Christopher St riots, and gays were just getting some of the harassment laws overturned. It used to be cops could raid a gay bar and arrest patrons if they were kissing and stuff like that. So this movie came out just as things were changing socially.

Wow, I just watched the only other KZfaq reaction to this movie yesterday and now this... nuts. And yes, the cheering for the bank robbers by the bystanders was not exaggerated. It actually happened in real life. The real story happened in '72, and back in the 1970s, there was a major anti-establishment attitude throughout the Western world, especially in the United States. In 1972, Vietnam was raging on, half the US population protested it in the streets, the Civil Rights movement was still going on (people were still shaken and riled up over the assassinations of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King), the women's rights movement was happening, the counterculture rebellion and hippies will still in full swing, corruption within the US government (particularly in the White House) was being exposed en masse etc. And the famous "Attica" line was referring to the infamous Attica Prison riot of 1971, in which the entire prison was taken over by the inmates over the prison's deplorable living conditions. It lasted 4 days and it was mostly peaceful and non-violent until Governor Nelson Rockefeller got tired of negotiating and ordered police to perform a full force take-back of the prison which resulted in 33 dead prisoners, 10 dead correctional officers, and over 100 more shot or wounded. The state government and the police just did not care anymore about anyone's well being (even of those working in the prison) and they just wanted the standoff to end. This notorious incident sparked EVEN MORE of the public's distrust of the government and of authority figures in general. So, yea, nearly every American f"ing HATED cops and the government back then. That's why almost every great movie from the 70s has underlying themes of rebellion and anti-establishment attitudes in them and "Dog Day" is a prime example.

John Cazale made 5 movies before he died young from cancer. He was dating Meryl Streep at the time. Al Pacino said he learned more about acting from John than anybody. All 5 movies were Oscar nominated for best picture.

I'm sure people have suggested it already but you NEED to see The Conversation with one of my favorite actors EVER - Gene Hackman.

You should DEFINITELY look into the history behind this film. From what I’ve found it’s basically 100% accurate (except for specific words said within the bank and so on). It’s dedication to the real events is actually fairly well known.

You're wise beyond your years James. I'm hitting 43 this September and you've got a much more emotionally intelligent mind than many of my peers. Dope ass fucking movie btw. Can't wait

Man, Pacino and De Niro own the 70s, 80s and mind 90s, react to more of their drama roles please

This flick was ground breaking in so many ways. An absolute juggernaut, an assault on the senses and the sleepy American sensibilities of the time. Some of the greatest acting of all time as well.

This is hands down my favourite Pacino film. His performance is BRILLIANT. And it's written and shot so good.

My favorite heist movie ever, one of my favorites period. Sidney Lumet is underappreciated, so many classics under his belt.

Always have been fascinated by this movie. I hit “like” before “play”

Such a New Hollywood masterpiece! You should really check out The Conversation!

As a filmmaker I HIGHLY recommend you watch the behind the scenes documentary making this film. Sydney Lamet is a master film maker. They interview a sound guy and he says he loves working with him because he does so much prep it makes his job super easy and stress free. Right in the middle of him talking Lamet yells to set the scene and he immediately has to get back going again. Good stuff.

The Joker is very heavily inspired by the anti-hero movies of the 70s, like Taxi Driver, and I'm sure Dog Day Afternoon as well. This is such a fascinating story, and it's so wild to me that they covered this subject matter in an empathetic way as far back as the 70s. It was on my list fo soooo many years but I only watched it of the first time a couple of years ago. Great film!

I love this movie. I was probably around 17 when I watched it for the first time and I found it utterly compelling from start to finish.

Fun fact, the actor who plays the FBI agent is the father of Matthew Broderick.

Back when Al Pacino still had a high pitched accent.

"he only got 20 years?" It was back in the days when prison sentences were at least rational. If it is a life or a death sentence to take a hostage, what incentive is there to spare lives? Back in the 70s most hostages were released. When the cops started killing hostage takers in the 80s, hostage takers started killing hostages.

This is one of my probably top 3 movies of all time. I adore it from start to finish. It's such an incredible film. I've never seen anyone else react to it before, barely know anyone who has seen it these days. Thanks for watching it for us :D

Loved your commentary! So few people I know have seen this film, it’s one of my favorites. Def recommend more films during the 60s/70s. I suggest Kramer Vs Kramer (Meryl Streep film that put her on the mark)

STOKED you reacted to this movie. It’s probably on my top ten list. John Cazale (Sal) was taken far too soon. It’s a flawless film.

Yes!! This is one of my favourite films. Period. Glad to See Someone React to it, Keep it up!

This film is SO good. Just the right blend of complex, suspenseful, and heart-wrenching. Pacino is definitely one of the GOATs. You might enjoy "Looking for Richard", Pacino's exploration of Shakespeare and the modern world through, of course, Richard III. Very meta, very enjoyable. Even if you don't do a reaction, I highly recommend it! As always, I love the content you post!

This film breaks my heart every time, because (a) it's so good, (b) Pacino and Cazale are on the top of their game and deliver some heartbreaking performances, (c) Lumet is a genius and (d) it's so good (again).

17:00 The guy that plays his gay lover got an Academy Award nomination, and is the ex-husband of Susan Sarandon, and he's best known for playing the Chicago police officer in the film Child's Play, but three years before, portrayed Jerry Dandridge, the vampire next door in the original Fright Night, he also makes a brief cameo in the 2011 reboot starring Colin Farrell.

Lumet is an absolute GOAT. Weirdly doesn’t get enough appreciation. So many brilliant films under his direction

Sidney Lumet was one of the great directors. I’d highly recommend 12 Angry Men!

What i love most about this film is its not only a sweet and simple plot despite being a robbery/hostage situation (which is refreshing in comparison to all the MI 5 stuff u see nowadays) but this was one of Pacino's first roles, long before he became the cliche mafia boss with that deep voice everyone recognised. This is the first role i've seen where Pacino feels like a normal guy; when he got older he kinda became forever typecast-ed in Godfather-esque films as a gangster so i never really paid much attention to his acting. Watching his phone calls with Leon and his convos with Sal and Morretti, it doesn't feel as tho he's trying too hard in this role which is out of the ordinary; he feels very real and more intimate and gentle than rough and tumble. It makes his performance so much more intriguing

Thank you so much for having the good taste to choose this under appreciated film. I really love it. It’s completely engaging. Great performances by all.

I'm so glad this classic is finally getting the attention it deserves from First Time Watchers...

Interesting analogy to "Joker"! Usually everyone points to "Taxi Driver" and "The King Of Comedy" - rightfully so. But I can totally see what you're talking about!

Happy Birthday young man!🍰 I hope it was a special one. This review was great and I am impressed with your perspective & compassion for the characters. Great film! Cheers!

This is one of those films that’s so well made that it’s timeless in terms of direction, editing, acting, story-telling

The lines with Pacino and Chris Sarandon (Leon) were improvised quite a bit. Also, Very smart observation, Todd Phillips wanted a very New York 70s feel to The Joker (Dog Day, Taxi Driver etc)

Nice reaction! Another great Pacino film based on a real person/real event is "Serpico."

22:47 The actor who played the cop who shot John Cazale was Lance Henriksen. He's been in over a hundred films and TV shows. He usually appears in science fiction and horror films, but his likeness and his voice is featured in the Ubisoft video game Detroit:Become Human. The other cop who takes Al Pacino's character in was James Broderick, the late father of Matthew Broderick.

Just found your reaction to this! It’s in my top 5 of favorite movies! Thank you.

This is such a great movie. I absolutely love it! Glad you watched and reacted to it.

Al Pacino's performance in this is my fav male performance of ALL TIME. he's that good. Gosh i love this movie!

That's the way a lot of older movies were so much great acting and emotion and dialogue.. It puts these new movies to shame. And even the scene settings.

such a fantastic movie and your reaction was great, you always catch and comment on important and interesting things. This movie seems both completely of, and way ahead of its time

You're impressing me with your selections. You just earned a patron.

YES! So glad you got to watch this classic film. This is another classic that should be in the "must watch list" for any inspiring filmmaker, and a must own in any movie collection. Thank you for sharing your reaction!

Phenomenal reaction! Happy (belated) Birthday!!!

James! Thank you so much for reacting to my all time favorite movie! Always love to hear your commentary 🙌🙌

This is one of the best movies ever made and is somehow super underrated, didn't realise you'd done it til now I think I suggested it a while back so it's cool to see

As usual I’m playing catch-up, but a really great reaction, thank you! Most of Sidney Lumet’s great movies have already been recommended in the comments- and I second each one - but I’d also like to mention Lumet’s 1962 film version of Eugene O’Neill’s great play, LONG DAY’S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT (with Katharine Hepburn, Ralph Richardson, Jason Robards and Dean Stockwell). It’s well worth a look and a reaction. It’s both faithful (if somewhat trimmed down) to the play, and an excellent *movie* as well!

A classic. Got hyped when the notification popped up lol. You always react to movies that I dont expect alot of people to react to, like this one, Come and See, Portrait of a Lady on Fire.

"And justice for all" - another great Pacino movie. Haven't seen anyone to react to it yet.

gangs of new york scorcese film with leonardo dicaprio and daniel day lewis my personal favorite film

Dude, I decided to do a James-watches-Lumet double feature I guess....first "Network", now this one. Man oh man, what a fantastic, beautiful reaction to this one. To both! Both of these are on my list of "best of the 70s" for sure and I'm completely perplexed why there aren't more reactions to either of these masterpieces. I know this is an old reaction so I'll just leave it as this: they should put this reaction on the DVD! That's how good it is. I freaking LOVE this movie. When you're ready for more "New Hollywood" 60s-70s masterpiece stuff: you still haven't hit Coppolla's 1974 classic "The Conversation". Haven't hit any Bob Fosse ("All That Jazz", "Star 80") or Mike Nichols ("The Graduate", "Carnal Knowledge"). "Bonnie And Clyde" and "Midnight Cowboy" from the late 60s qualify as well. Anyways, still have to see the new "Serious Man" reaction! That'll be next. THANKS, JAMES!!!! Having a fun Saturday hanging with you, binging movies! lol

Whoah James! Just got finished with "Thin Red Line", now I see you did this one. Wow. Great reaction, man. Pacino and Cazale. Have you never seen The Godfather? There are not many chances to see John Cazale act, he died four years after this movie. Definitely "Godfather". And definitely "Network", Sidney Lumet's next movie. Which one is better, "Dog Day Afternoon" or "Network"? I wouldn't even want to make such a choice. Basically he hit two smash home runs in a row, that's all I know!

I've thought about seeing this movie so many times and not got around to it. But then I saw this video pop up and saw it as a sign, so I watched the movie a couple of hours ago before watching this reaction. Holy fuck, this is a great movie and Al Pacino is fenomenal. And it's always a pleasure to see John Cazale who appeared in way too few movies, but was excellent in all of them.

AL Pacino... one of the truly great actors of screen history. Great reaction and a happy birthday to you

Happy Belated Birthday, James! You look great in glasses, BTW.

One of the terrific "New York" films of the 70's along with Taxi Driver, The French Connection, The Warriors, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, Serpico and Death Wish

Happy B-Day man! Great movie and awesome reaction! P.s a Elderly man who couldn't afford the treatment he needed, went to a bank, handed the teller a note which said "I'm robbing this bank" Pretty sure he took 1$ and then waited for the police. He was sentenced to prison time, where he got the medication and treatment he needed.

The only thing that prevented Pacino from getting an Oscar for this was Jack Nicholson's just-as-fantastic performance in "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest"!

Fun fact. The part where Pacino fumbles around getting the rifle out the box really happened. It got stuck on the string and they just went with it.

There's a really good documentary called Hold Your Fire about one of the first times police negotiators were used in a hostage situation. The situation was similar to the one depicted in Dog Day Afternoon. I recommend it.

One of the five films that John Cazale starred in, in his whole career that were all nominated for a Best Picture Oscar.

12:31 that guy you are referring to is the late character actor Charles Durning. If you remember The Muppet Movie, he played the malevolent and egregious Doc Hopper who wanted Kermit the Frog to be his spokesfrog for his fledgling chain of deep fried frog legs restaurants.

Al Pacino was cast in his first movie in 1970. He made The Godfather in 1972, Serpico in 1973, The Godfather 2 in 1974, Dog Day Afternoon in 1975. He didn't win an Oscar till 1992. Was nominated 7 bloody times before he won. He seems to have been the original Leo, lol

And you can’t miss Serpico! Great channel!

Love the reactions. This channel has quickly become, not just one of my favorite reaction channels, but just a favorite KZfaq channel period. Hoping to see you one day to react to Reservoir Dogs or The Departed. Loving the content and keep up the hustle.

This movie is an absolute classic. They could never do s remake of this film if they had to. This is Pacino is at the absolute top of his game. I mean he's one of the best ever.

Another fantastic choice, James! Way to go, man!

I enjoy your film reactions..Neat reaction from a technical POV..I remember as a thirteen year old they filmed the exterior shots in Windsor Terrence Brooklyn and I recall the makeshift bank on Prospect Park west between 17th and 18th streets as a bunch of us kids used to pass by it on our way to and from the theater or Prospect Park..I at that time was living in nearby Sunset Park Brooklyn. Yes it was certainly a different and a bit wild time back then…The streets were like an extension of the playgrounds..We used to roam the Brooklyn neighborhood’s unsupervised, our parents never knew where we were half the time..we could gather 15 to 20 kids in no time without the use of a cellphone…we didn’t have X Boxes..we played in discarded refrigerator boxes and if someone tossed out a mattress all the better..we climb factory roofs to retrieve our one spaldeen or have daring fun by jumping from one rooftop to another..we played handball, stickball, stoop-ball, whiffle-ball and played skelzies in the middle of the streets…we had our own after school program by sneaking on the subway’s and riding the trains all the way to the Bronx and back to Brooklyn..and we use to hitch a ride on the back of the 5th avenue buses on our way to and from Sunset Park pool and movie theaters…the neighborhood’s were infested with street gangs, like the South Brooklyn Boy’s, the Sixth Avenue Czar’s, The Black Pearl’s…and I recall the foul language at the time was off the freaking chart’s…I don’t think I’ve ever heard such profane language since.

Al Pacino and John Cazale played brothers, Michael & Fredo Corleone in the "Godfather" (1972)

Every aspiring film maker should watch this film.

Nice! I was literally thinking of this film the other day. Happy birthday!

Wishing you a belated happy birthday! This is such a great film though.

Has anyone notice that the NYPD in the 1970s has helmets that make them look like Spaceballs Cadets? Anytime, Dark Helmet's going to come out.

'The Negotiator' (Samual L Jackson) & 'John Q' (Denzel Washington) are two other hostage, siege type movies that should be listed for future reaction...

Very intense film James! Love all these types of movies from the 70’s❤️🇨🇦

Also gotta add that Carol Kane has always been a favorite. Amazing, funny, beautiful, crazy lady, lol. She's had plenty of iconic roles. The original When a Stranger Calls, Scrooged, The Princess Bride, The Addams Family movies, Annie Hall, as well as the TV show Taxi. I absolutely love her!

Serpico and this, Pacino and Sidney Lumet, made two classics

Watching this has me spinning you two recommendations for different reasons: 1. Nashville - Why? The year of 1975 has undoubtedly the single greatest slate of Best Picture nominations: Barry Lyndon, Dog Day Afternoon, Jaws, Nashville, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. I think you've seen the other four, so watching Nashville would give you the full perspective of that year. It's almost my personal favorite of the five and is unique in its own way, with its overlapping storylines and capturing moments that feel more like a documentary than a film. FIlms like Magnolia, Traffic and Pulp Fiction all owe a huge debt to Nashville. 2. Network - Sidney Lumet has a minimum of four undisputed classics: 12 Angry Men, Dog Day Afternoon, Network and The Verdict. Network was the immediate follow-up to Dog Day Afternoon, and its bitter critique of television media proved to be more prophetic than most films from the 1970s. The acting is top notch and it has one of the greatest screenplays of all time. Both are more than worthy of a reaction, and I'd love to get your opinions and thoughts on these masterpieces.

Love, love, love this film!

Nice glasses. Better than the ones I wear. Again, happy birthday. Great reaction to Dog Day Afternoon. I saw the movie once years ago after hearing the Attica line many times. I love how Al Pacino played his character with such powerful desperation. My favorite shot in the movie is of Sonny in the car with the gun pushed to his head as he realizes he is at the end of the line. No more delaying the inevitable.

I seriously did not recognize Chris Sarandon as Al Pacino's love interest. That is so crazy. :) But now that I know it's him, I see it.

Happy Birthday from TPT!!! #THEPURPLETWINKIEZ

Sidney Lumet directed some great films, Twelve Angry Men, The Hill Serpico etc. One of those directors you don't hear talked about much anymore. Like Walter Hill, another director seemingly lost to time who is worth checking out (The Warriors, Southern Comfort, The Driver, 48 Hrs etc)

Imagine seeing this in a movie theatre

Fun fact: the pizza guy's line "I'm a F***in star" was improvised. He was a real pizza shop employee and was celebrating the opportunity to star in a movie without being an actor. Also, there were real pizzas in the boxes and the cast and crew did eat them.

Happy Bday! :D Film classic right here. Good way to celebrate

Yay! A US 70’ classic, ‘Little big man’ and ‘Paper moon’. are well worth checking out from this era too.

John Cazale only made 5 movies in his career and 4 were nominated for best picture.

Happy belated Birthday James!!!! You're a little more than half my age (I'm 46). Enjoy your relative youth. It goes by fast. I think you have a bright future as a film maker. Love your videos and commentaries.

This is such a fantastic choice for so many reasons, from casting to directing to acting. Excellent movie! And since you mentioned the Coens, you must add The Hudsucker Proxy to your watchlist just to get a good look at another great Charles Durning role (and also one of my favorite films of theirs). Another great film is The Sting, a classic in its own right, with Durning, Paul Newman (who is also in Hudsucker) Robert Redford, Robert Shaw. It's such an entertaining and surprise filled movie that I never hear anyone talk about. Cheers for your birthday, and keep them coming!

You should react to the deer hunter it was a the 1979 best picture with de niro, christopher walken and john cazales