The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3
Starring: Denzel Washington, John TravoltaDirector: Tony Scott
Year of Release: 2009
This is Denzel Washington’s fourth film with Director Tony Scott and it maintains the same intensity that Tony Scott is known for. He’s got a very stylized way of doing action films that gives it some flair, making it a touch better than the rest of the genre. And as for action movies, this movie has a lot to offer. The story follows a hostage crisis in NYC on a subway train during rush hour. Denzel Washington’s character is working that day in Central Command and gets put in to the position of hostage negotiator by John Travolta’s character. There are a few similarities to Spike Lee’s Inside Job, which also puts Denzel in a hostage negotiator role, but the emphasis here is on the action. The story isn’t weak, but the intensity is kicked up a lot by guns and claustrophobic tension.
Denzel does his usual brilliant job and John Travolta is great. It’s a popcorn flick but a quality popcorn flick. If you’re looking for something fun to pass the time, this will work.
