They build tension well in the first half but the second half feels repetitive. A little long. Story is a little silly compared to today's standards.

The Sugarland Express is like a mashup of Bonnie and Clyde and Thelma and Louise, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me. The non stop car chase scenes dragged on a bit too long, and I found myself zoning out. Goldie Hawn's performance didn't particularly stand out to me either. Based on a true story, the film tells the tale of a couple's desperate attempt to get their son back from foster care, which takes a dark turn when they kidnap a Texas Highway Patrolman. Interestingly, this was Steven Spielberg's feature film directorial debut, though some might argue his 1971 TV movie Duel was his first major directing gig. However it's classified, The Sugarland Express showcases Spielberg's early talent.

While this movie is a classic slow-chase-cop movie, it does have a bunch of flaws. The characters often time act so stupid and irrational (mostly Hawn), that I got out of the mood of the movie because it was so embarrassingly idiotic. The movie also greatly overuses the stupid and useless policemen cliché and has in general not aged all too well. As I said, it is a classic but recommended for fans of the genre only.

Quality! 'The Sugarland Express' is Steven Spielberg's first theatrical release as director, which is quite something given the movie seems like it was made by a seasoned vet. On a similar note, the look and feel of the film is absolutely outstanding; it has aged remarkably well visually, almost hard to believe it came out in 1974! I also really enjoyed the score, particularly Toots Thielemans on the harmonica, but that's no surprise - John Williams, duh! As for plot, it is very entertaining. I like how silly everything plays out for the first chunk and the film knows it, but events gradually rise up a notch throughout the 110 minutes. The more serious conclusion would've felt quite sudden and out of place, though it is portrayed and paced perfectly. Cast-wise, Goldie Hawn, William Atherton and Michael Sacks are excellent, though Ben Johnson is probably the one I'd rate highest.

Could have been much better. It was kind of silly. Had to turn speaker volume way down several times due to Goldie Hawn's loud, high pitched, almost unbearable screaming voice.