The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 – 2009

Tony Scott is one of my favourite directors, his films deliver on great action sequences and tense drama. However on this occasion with The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 he left something out, oh that’s right a decent ending.

A group of hijackers led by Ryder (Travolta) take control of a New York subway train and demand $10 million or they’ll start killing passengers. Dispatcher Walter Garber (Washington) has to deal with the day’s events and avoid the worst.

I’ve not seen the 1974 original starring Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw so I cannot make any real comparison, but what I would say is the 2009 remake lacked any real sparkle.

Washington and Travolta put in good performances, especially Travolta who seems to revel as the stereotypical villain. But you can’t rely on screen chemistry to get you through. The ending was a disappointment and while you expect a twist that will leave you wanting more, it never comes.

If you’re fans of Washington and Travolta then this one is for you, however don’t expect too much near the end.

View the trailer

Rating: (3/5)

Visit the IMDb page for The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3

DVD Extras: Audio commentaries, the making of Pelham 1 2 3 plus a number of very good featurettes

Blu-Ray Extras: Commentary featuring Director Tony Scott, Writer Brian Helgeland, and Producer Todd Black, No Time to Lose: The Making of Pelham 1 2 3, The Third Rail – The NYC Subway System, Marketing Pelham and From the Top Down: Stylizing Character

Please feel free to leave a comment about this film, I would love to know what you think and I will do my best to respond!