Marathon Man

One of the great movies from the 1970s, when American cinema was at it's best with a seemingly non-stop parade of wonderful films. "Marathon Man" distinguishes itself like a rollercoaster....it takes you for a ride and it's up to you to hang on. It is one of those films which exude the feeling that the director is an expert storyteller, and if you just hang in there with the plot, your questions will be answered. Impressive to me in this film was the great editing, which does not pander to the average moviegoer. You may be lost at times as to what is going on. But the wonderful way in which sharp directing and editing bring everything into focus as the film goes on will reward the viewer. A veritable lesson in acting is given by all aboard, right down to the extras. Notable also is Michael Small's brilliant score to this film. A further development of the dissonant woodwinds and strings heard in his previous score to "The Parallax View," this is one of those films in which the music contributes so greatly that without the score the tension and overall impact of the film would be heavily diminished. Small goes from eerie, unsettling underscoring to beautiful, and forlorn love themes, and back again. The film is a moody, dark, but ultimately uplifting exercise in survival, and pain, both physical and emotional. It is no day at the beach. But not all days are meant for the beach. TH

Saw this movie as a kid and never wanted to go to the dentist again!!!!

I read and loved this book way back when it was fairly fresh and remember anticipating the movie. I wasn't disappointed. Not quite the same as the book, but the main story does get told well. Hoffman and Oliver are/were both amazing actors and have performed as such in this film. "Is it safe?" caught on as a catchphrase when I was in high school, often followed with a buzzing noise. "Is? It? Safe? Bzzzzz bzzzzzz!" Sorry about that, I just really like this movie.

Truly, one of the best thrillers ever made by an American director. This is a complete movie, with well formed and developed characters and an excellent plot. It may be a bit dated given the time of its release, but it holds up fairly well. if you have not seen it, and you are looking for a good film, you could do worse than this.

Great thriller with high tension, a touch of horror and suspense throughout. The seasoned cast does a great job bringing you into the characters and making the story seem like it's unfolding right in front of you. BUCKLE UP!!! it's a great ride!

A thrilling film from beginning to end, with one of the most infamous torture scenes in filming. Once you watch this movie, you will most likely freak out whenever your dentists says "Is it safe?"

I wanted to love this movie; I tried to like this movie. I like Dustin Hoffman - and Roy Scheider - and I remember the 'dental' scenes from when I was a kid, so I was anxious to see the rest of the film. I was disappointed. In my opinion, this is not a great film, not even a good film. The story skips around as if assuming the viewer has prior knowledge of it or the book it is based upon. Even still, although annoying, it isn't *too* huge a problem as it isn't that difficult to keep up and to surmise what is going on. The story just seems a little thin and a lot implausible, and we don't really care about any of the characters. It's a shame iTunes doesn't offer this for rent. I had only wanted to rent it but caved-in and purchased it because I'd always wanted to see this movie and because a friend raved about it. I will need to be sure to ask her exactly *what* it is she loved about it aside from a young Dustin Hoffman's tanned abs and bare butt in one of the bathtub scenes! Buy and watch at your own risk!