The Taking Of Pelham 123 (2009)

This film is overall very entertaining. The storyline is simple, but keeps you enticed. Tony Scott should be very proud of itself, i'm confused why this film didnt do great at the box office.

I have never seen the original, so cannot comment on how different or similar they both are. However, having seen this one, i see no reason to see the original. I would be extremely shocked if the original was better.

Incredible acting from both John Travolta and Denzel Washington. Both actors play their characters with ease. Travolta suits being the villain, whereas Washington suits being the hero. Even though Travolta is the villain, the audience still sort of like him as a character. I believe this was done on purpose. The other actors performances were also brilliant from the likes of: John Turturro, Luis Guzman and James Gandolfini.

The films entertainment mainly comes from the action and suspense. There are some great scenes when the police are trying to transfer ransom money, from one side of New York, to the other.

There are a few reasons why this film doesnt get a 5 star review in my mind.

Firstly, at time John Travolta reminds me of a school boy bully. He throws childish insults at Walter Garber, New York's mayor and Camonetti. I know John Travolta's character (Ryder) isnt always supposed to be taken too seriously. However, too many childish insults makes you wonder how this man had the brain power to put together a fantastic plan to makes millions of dolllars.

Also, the film isnt very realistic. There are many things that the NYPD could have done better to stop Ryder much easier. You will realise this when you watch.

Overall, this in entertaining for anyone who enjoys actions/thrillers with great acting. Which is almost everyone!

Good Story, well directed and competently acted.
Was expecting a bit more from the director of Man on Fire, Spy Game, Crimson Tide and so on,
Especially with his fave actor Denzel on board, and with the bonus of Travolta on Bad Guy duties.
Just about hit all the right buttons, but didnt bring anything new to the game.
Travolta was class, Washington was good as usual in a less showy role.
Like others have said, perfect Friday night fodder

THE TAKING OF PELHAM 123

The master of thrillers is back in business, Tony Scott can make some pretty awesome films and this one is one of them! Very good casting as usual as both lead actors are top of their game, brilliant story with some interesting developments, you certainly never get bored watching this as the pace of the film is good and always on the move (considering they are stuck in a tunnel) Certainly worth a watch if you like a smart slick thriller with a cool cast.

I was always a fan of the original 1974 thriller, but after rewatching the movie seemed very dated. This was a film that screamed to be remade. It's good to see they got the right man for the job, Director Tony Scott (Crimson Tide, Top Gun, True Romance, The Last Boy Scout) delivers a very tight thriller, and just like the original has a great leading cast, this time with the always excellent Denzel Washington and a back on form John Travolta doing what he does best and relishing the bad guy role. The tension in the film is well sustained, and the action reliant final third is very well staged. It's good to see that no CGI has been used and most of the scenes are filmed in real locations and not on a sound stage, giving the film a gritty realistic edge that really pays homage to the thrillers shot in the 1970's. Unlike most summer Block Busters this movie is not bloated and has a smart swift running time of 100 minutes.
This movie is refreshing as it is not flashy and delivers in what it sets out to do.
A very entertaining suspenseful thriller.

The Taking of Pelham 123 is a superb remake with 2 fantastic actors in the main roles. For me Denzel Washington and John Travolta are the main reason this film really works they are 2 of the best actors around and really play there roles to the extreme in this great cat and mouse action flick.
The acting is spot on the story is great and it will keep you interested all the way through to the end. This is one of the better films i have seen this year and it wont let you down it would make a great saturday night film full of great acting and a superb storyline dont think about it just get it and watch it you wont be disapointed.