I WATCHED THE SUGARLAND EXPRESS ON DVD.

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.

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.

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.

One of Spielberg's early efforts and it is fair to say that this is also not one of his strongest. Whilst Spielberg manages to build some tension in the first half as the situation escalates, this gives way to a uneven tone that ensures the stakes are rarely felt or convincing. It doesn't help that the two central characters are poorly developed and difficult to care about, making their quest equally uninvolving. It doesn't outstay its welcome and there are some nice moments throughout, but its the connection with the characters that is sorely lacking and a central mistake to this film that Spielberg rarely made again.