The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 [2009]

There is no denying Tony Scott his claim to fame – his ability to provide wholesome, fast-paced entertainment to the popcorn-churning public. He deserves that much, though rarely anything more profound than that. The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, his latest offering, does boast of a compact narrative, stylized packaging and a reasonably engaging plot. However, on the flip side, and quite unlike his more famous and more appreciated works like True Romance, Top Gun, Spy Game and Enemy at the Gates, this one failed to scale such high-octane levels, attain breathtaking kinetic momentum or display audacious ingenuity. The movie starts off spectacularly, with a New York subway train hijacked, apparently for ransom, even though, seemingly, there isn’t any escape route for the criminals. However by the second half things start veering towards been-there-seen-that ground, and it climaxes with a finale that is flat and unimaginative. Thus, at the end of the day, the only real saving grace of the movie lied in the crackling chemistry shared by its two lead actors – Denzel Washington, as an everyday Joe, and John Travolta, as the psychotic mastermind. James Galdolfini, too, is impressive as a cynical Mayor nearing the end of his term.








Director: Tony Scott
Genre: Thriller/Crime Thriller/Heist Movie
Language: English
Country: US