Dog Day Afternoon

Released 1975
Stars Al Pacino, John Cazale, Charles Durning, Chris Sarandon, Carol Kane, Lance Henriksen
Directed by Sidney Lumet

Al Pacino does it again. In this true story, he plays Sonny Wortzik, a troubled man who robs a bank to pay for his gay lover's sex change. He and his partner Sal get discovered during the attempted robbery and are forced to take the tellers and bank manager hostage as the police and FBI surround the place. Sonny and Sal must deal with all sorts of ridiculous but completely human problems during their stay in the bank that neither of them planned for. Pacino delivers a splendid performance that reminds you what great acting is like. We are treated to watching a sensitive character that has heart and is normally a decent human being, who has gotten himself into a terrific mess and now has to find a way out.

Summary by Jonathan Trainer