The Taking of Pelham 123

Taking of Pelham 123 (2009)

Tony Scott (Hostage, Man on Fire – Film) has partnered once again with Denzel Washington (Inside Man, Film) after 2004’s Man on Fire, this time alongside John Travolta (Swordfish, Film) in The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3.

The taking of Pelham 123 is a remake of the 1970’s thriller of the same name, this time it’s just had a modern touch to it but generally the same story, Washington plays the role of Walter Garber, an MTA Dispatcher who is in charge of a train, Pelham 123 – which becomes hijacked by Ryder, co-starred by John Travolta and his team of henchmen.

Garber becomes to key contact with Ryder and the Train via his post in the control room until NYPD Hostage Negotiator Detective Camonetti (John Tutorro) takes over his position, this is until a hostage is killed by Ryder as he only wants Garber to be his liaison, thus this leading to the Negotiator Camonetti becoming a liaison himself between Garber and his SWAT Team.

Ryder’s objective is to take a large ransom of money from the city and in return he will release the hostages, this needs to be done within the hour and if unsuccessful Ryder will kill a hostage at intervals of one minute. As the film progresses, Garber becomes clever with the situation and becomes familiar with Ryder.

Ryder is cast in The Taking of Pelham 123 as a very well educated, clever criminal mastermind and has a very slick approach, the character suits Travolta well and is similar to his character in Swordfish; he’s a welcome addition as a co star with Washington, who as always does the role perfectly. I just really like Washington’s style and approach to every character he plays; he just has a certain Charm.

The Taking of Pelham 123 is a little Slow Burning, But it’s got a certain edge to it, the intermittent “24” style cut-scenes are a nice addition counting down to the ransom deadline, in terms of action there’s little to be had, from the train itself it’s generally just Ryder taking to Garber via intercom aside this hostage has a laptop unknowingly still left on via a webcam to his Girlfriend she realises what’s going on and begins to broadcast onto the internet, this gives the audience, the SWAT Team as well as the general public of the city a different perspective to the hostage situation, eventually the ransom money begins in transit towards to subway by the help of the police, this high speed rush ends in a couple of cars been smashed up and that’s it.

Eventually as you would guess, Ryder and his Henchmen need to vacate the train once the money is in there hands, the only thing that stands between them and freedom is Garber, with his vast knowledge of the underground system he plans to outwit Ryder and save the hostages.

I’m not going to says “If you are a fan of Washington / Travolta – This is a film you will enjoy”, it’s not a film like that, This is a film you will enjoy no doubt who’s in it but the chemistry on screen between the two latter mentioned actors is superb, allthough there isn’t much to be had in terms of action,  the liaisons scenes between Ryder and Garber are amusing and enjoyable, they will give you a laugh. Tony Scott has done a well with a remake which is always a hurdle to begin with if there’s nothing wrong with the original – but could have just put a little more effort into the action this film needed, even though I did enjoy the film overall.