Gone in 60 Seconds (1974)

Having enjoyed weirdos Nicolas Cage and Anglina Jolie in the '00 remake despite its flaws, I was really expecting the original to be something special.

Back in the day, Gone in 60 Seconds might have been special--even cool. But in '08, this '74 gem is a product of poor casting, direction, writing, cinematography and dialogue. Even the legendary 40+ minute car chase comes across as ridiculously.

For what it is, a 70s lowbrow entertainment, Gone in 60 Seconds fits the bill. It has a real indie movie feel. Writer/director H. B. Halicki didn't know what he was doing, but it's obvious what he loved. His obsession for fast cars is real. That is probably the only reason for watching. Back to that legendary 40+ minute car chase-- the car looks amazing.

Gone in 60 Seconds is sadly dated and without a plot, script or cast to shore it up, the film is flat. Unfortunately, there isn't the saving grace of camp. Still, if you run on the exhaust fumes and can't quite get that grease from under your fingernails, you just might enjoy yourself.