The Taking Of Pelham 1 2 3 (review)

Rating: 4/5 Check it out

The best summer blockbuster that no one will see.

Based on a 1974 film of the same name this movie has more of a classic movie feel than a modern summer blockbuster. This is the kind of movie they're talking about when they use terms like "thrill-a-minute", and "edge of your seat". It grips you from the start and doesn't let go. What's surprising about this movie is it doesn't rely on special effects or high speed chases. This is a thriller driven entirely by the level of acting and commitment of those who made it and that adds a very real element that you don't find very often. This movie's simplicity is it's greatest strength and it will also turn out to be it's downfall. No one cares about a drama that holds true human emotion. Give us robots, 3D, cars blowing up, and people in super powered suits.

The plot is rather simple. A New York City subway car is hijacked in the middle of Manhattan by a gang led by a man who simply calls himself Ryder (John Travolta). After the hijacking Ryder makes contact with the subway dispatch to make his demands. The dispatcher who receives the call is Walter Garber (Denzel Washington). Garber already has his share of hardships which is only compounded by Ryder's invasion of his day. Ryder has no interest in talking to a hostage negotiator (John Turturro), or even the mayor of New York(James Gandolfini). He finds a kindred spirit in Garber and the two take a ride through their past and their souls during the course of these hostage negotiations.

It is in the telling that this movie steps up and nails it. Denzel Washington and John Travolta give career-level performances here. Both actors play to their strengths, with Travolta playing a level of crazy he has only hinted at in the past, and Denzel nailing the everyman who has been pushed to the brink. The characters are so rich and their chemistry is incredible. The suspense and thrills unfold at a perfect pace and not once do you doubt these characters motivation. The language is rather coarse but it's not for shock value it just fits these characters. The movie is shot with a very gritty in your face style similar to some of Tony Scott's other thrillers (Man On Fire, and Domino). Thankfully they don't play around with the camera so much that you get sick but it definitely puts the action right in your face.

This movie is a testament to how powerful the right story can be. It just has two main characters in a struggle, only a handful of sets, minimal effects, and a dynamite ending. A true testament to what real cinema is capable of. Unfortunately it doesn't have enough bells and whistles to attract a large audience. Still I highly recommend checking it out if you get tired of the very polished garbage Hollywood usually throws our way. You may find that it makes you realize how wonderful a simple movie can be.


The Taking Of Pelham 1 2 3 at IMDB
121 minutes
Rated R for violence and pervasive language.

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