Film Review : The Taking Of Pelham 123

This picture has generated a lot of comment on the basis that it is a remake of a much loved movie from the 1970's which is a decade where many classic movies that were worth rewatching were made. I'd suggest that movies which fall into this category are rather similar to books which frequently draw critical comments from fans of the original - if you're heavily invested in the original in whatever form it takes either lower your expectations (which are likely to be too high to ever be matched) or give it a miss.

I'm not encumbered with solidly held views on the original which featured Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw. I'm sure I've seen it as the premise was more than familiar to me, but I can't recall any of the detail of the movie. This meant I had the benefit of entering the cinema without the presence of the original looming over me.

The other factor (and about which less has been made in reviews) is the fact that this movie is directed by Tony Scott. Scott is a very stylised director and makes very flashy, visually arresting films which can also be described as an acquired taste. Indeed, it has often been suggested that some of his films are just that.

All of that is present and correct in Pelham 123 but we are also blessed with the presence of Denzel Washington and John Travolta who are both actors more than capable of matching the visual pizazz offered up by Scott. The relationships that develops between the protagonists during the film is what provides this film with its' spine and keeps a reasonable level of suspense. I'm not sure to what extent this was also covered in the original movie, but it turns out to be a tale of redemption for one of the characters (and, no, you probably don't have to guess which one that is).

All in all, a most enjoyable movie that's certainly not a classic by any manner of means but still better than some of the more mean-spirited reviews that it has received.