Is Two-Minute Warning Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Two-Minute Warning is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 115 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Two-Minute Warning Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1976, Two-Minute Warning emerges as a significant entry in the Action, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A psychotic sniper plans a massive killing spree in a Los Angeles football stadium during a major championship game. Unlike standard genre fare, Two-Minute Warning attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Two-Minute Warning features a noteworthy lineup led by Charlton Heston . Supported by the likes of John Cassavetes and Martin Balsam , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Two-Minute Warning (1976) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Two-Minute Warning Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Two-Minute Warning is a Action, Thriller film that delivers high-octane sequences and adrenaline-pumping confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Two-Minute Warning Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Two-Minute Warning concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Two-Minute Warning reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Two-Minute Warning?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
Two-Minute Warning Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $6.7M |
| Worldwide Gross | $6.7M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Two-Minute Warning Budget
The estimated production budget for Two-Minute Warning is $6.7M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Two-Minute Warning
- Charlton Heston – Capt. Peter Holly
- John Cassavetes – Sgt. Chris Button
- Martin Balsam – Sam McKeever
- Beau Bridges – Mike Ramsay
- Marilyn Hassett – Lucy
Top Highlights
Charlton HestonCapt. Peter Holly
John CassavetesSgt. Chris Button
Martin BalsamSam McKeever
Beau BridgesMike Ramsay
Marilyn HassettLucy
David JanssenSteve
Jack KlugmanStu Sandmann
Gena RowlandsJanet
Walter PidgeonThe Pickpocket
Brock PetersPaul
Where to Watch Two-Minute Warning Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Two-Minute Warning is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.2/10, and global collection metrics, Two-Minute Warning stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1976 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Two-Minute Warning movie hit or flop?
Two-Minute Warning has received mixed reviews with a 6.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Two-Minute Warning worth watching?
Two-Minute Warning is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Two-Minute Warning online?
Two-Minute Warning may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Two-Minute Warning Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Two-Minute Warning
Undervalued thriller. A lone gunman has his sights set on a sell-out crowd at a championship football game. Captain Peter Holly leads the desperate fight to try and stop the maniac from picking people off at will. Perched high on top of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the gunman has his pick of the targets, the Mayor -the President - or merely the innocent? Either way he has to be stopped before all hell breaks loose. Much like "Rollercoaster" a year later, Two-Minute Warning is wrongly lumped in with the disaster movie genre that flooded the 1970s, and just like Rollercoaster, Two-Minute Warning is an excellently taut thriller. The build up is paced to precision, all characters are introduced to us to give us something to associate with should things go very wrong. As this is happening we get little POV snippets of our killer, accompanied by Charles Fox's harshly impacting music, the killer is never seen but we feel the dread, the impending sense of murder is a constant presence. Once we are at the game and the authorities are aware that a sniper is on the roof, the film shifts up a gear and lays on the suspense thick and heavy. Captain Holly (Charlton Heston in authoritative scene commanding form) is joined by the SWAT team, led by the cool and serious Sgt. Chris Button (John Cassavetes), whilst stadium security manager Sam McKeever (Martin Balsam) prays that disaster can be averted. Then the final third of the picture is a ripper of heart pounding stuff, a final third that rewards the viewers patience for having invested in the film and the key characters. Filling out the cast is Gena Rowlands, Jack Klugman (brilliant interplay with Mitch Ryan's priest), Beau Bridges, Walter Pidgeon and David Jansen. Two-Minute Warning is a quality thriller that is sadly undervalued on the big IMDb site, go on, give it a go and you might just be pleasantly surprised. 7.5/10 Footnote: I should point out that my thoughts are on the original unedited cut of this film, I have never seen the watered down TV cut and have no plans to ever do so.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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