The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3

June 12, 2009

Jays Rating:
Actors: /
Director:

In 1974 Robert Shaw and Walter Matthau starred in a thrilling film where armed men hijack a subway train in New York and the remake The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 is just as exciting. Denzel Washington plays a New York City subway dispatcher whose life changes when he goes into work one day and an aggressive tattooed villain played by John Travolta and his gang holds the commuters in a subway car for ransomed. He gives the mayor one hour to bring ten million dollars to the subway before he begins killing hostages but the question is how will they take the money and escape? (The ten million is up from one million in the original movie but that’s inflation) This film is intense, intriguing and even a little suspenseful. Director Tony Scott is famous for good action scenes but sometimes he ignores the obvious. There were some small details that may have been overlooked but I’m blind and even I could see the bad guys from a mile away and I’m sure all of the New Yorkers would have had their weapons ready as soon as they entered the subway. Of course engaging performances by Denzel Washington and John Travolta overshadow any flaws that were in the script. Be aware the violence is graphic and the language is well bad enough to make a New Yorker blush. With just the right mix of action and dioluge I really enjoyed this film and I’m giving it a B- rating.

This movie has been given a R rating by the MPAA

Although I am blind, I can appreciate a good movie as well as sighted individuals.
I rely more on a good story line than special effects.