The action film genre has changed a lot in the last 30 years. Films that used to stand out as high octane action are now regarded as almost dull compared to today's flashy special effects, million dollar explosions and non stop action. We've gladly substituted realism for the unbelievable, the insane and the over the top. There's nothing wrong with films that never attempt to spark a thought in your brain, but lets not forget the films that established the genre, the films that entertain because of the actors, the stories and the realism, the films not hidden under the veil of CGI.
The Getaway follows the Bonnie and Clyde of the 1970's. Steve McQueen is Doc McCoy whose been in prison for four years for armed robbery. Growing tired of his lonely prison existence and consistent parole rejections Doc informs his wife (played by Ali McGraw) to contact Sheriff Jack Beynon and convince him to let him out of prison. While a man of the law Beynon's no saint, in fact he's the opposite and in return for Doc's release he requires him to to pull one more bank job, and plans on killing him when it's complete. Unfortunately for Beynon and his gang, four years of prison hasn't slowed Doc McCoy down as he narrowly escapes Beynon's grasp. Now on the run from Beynon's gang and the authorities Doc and his wife must stay alive in order to escape the country to live the rest of their days in Mexico.
The Getaway stands the test of time as a solid action film due to it's realism, most of this film is actually quite believable (aside from the garbage truck sequence) and helps to take a rather simple story highly entertaining. The Getaway's greatest fault is the first 20-25 minutes where the film takes a while to get moving, but once the action begins the story moves at full speed. Acting wise Steve McQueen delivers an outstanding and very believable performance, while Ali McGraw is more along for the ride based on looks, not talent, it's not a big surprise her film career was quite short. Overall, The Getaway is a great film for fans looking to find an action film grounded in a little more reality than fantasy.
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