Directed by:
Tony ScottScreenplay:
Brian HelgelandCinematography:
Tobias A. SchliesslerComposer:
Harry Gregson-WilliamsCast:
Denzel Washington, John Travolta, Luis Guzmán, John Turturro, Michael Rispoli, Ramon Rodriguez, Victor Gojcaj, James Gandolfini, Gbenga Akinnagbe (more)VOD (1)
Plots(1)
Walter Garber (Denzel Washington) is a New York City subway dispatcher whose ordinary day is thrown into chaos by an audacious crime: the hijacking of a subway train. Ryder (John Travolta), the criminal mastermind behind the hijacking and leader of a highly-armed gang of four, threatens to execute the train's passengers unless a large ransom is paid within one hour. As the tension mounts beneath his feet, Garber employs his vast knowledge of the subway system in a battle to outwit Ryder and save the hostages. But there's one riddle Garber can't solve: even if the thieves get the money, how can they possibly escape? (official distributor synopsis)
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Reviews (7)
Without wanting to somehow intentionally swim against the current, I swallowed everything Pelham threw at me and I give it four stars. I was entertained by the film, although it's true that you don’t really see any surprising twists or logical actions of some of the characters, but whatever. I have a soft spot for Scott's style, Travolta (especially his dogsled speech got me) rocked, Washington was more of a standard, Gandolfini as the mayor was pretty good and Turturro, admittedly, almost useless. I expected entertainment, not Oscar drama, and I got it. Satisfaction.
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This is as different as a remake can be. Other than that, it’s a chill movie. Tony and Denzel let John join the crew and took a subway ride. When you get what you’re waiting for, you have to be satisfied, don’t you? Travolta as a bad guy is always something and this time he spits venom like there is no tomorrow. I hope that dubbing works out well enough to be a quote-worthy. I was disappointed by how the scene with Mr. Blue on the railway was changed, but then again, it probably wouldn’t have been so effective. It was nice to see John Turturro acting so ordinarily and almost “normal", I couldn’t believe me eyes. Well and lastly I would like to thank FilmBooster and Falcon for the free preview. I hope that even here in Ostrava another similar screening will take place.
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The moderate Scott, whom Helgeland's screenplay ties to the chain of tolerability in terms of deadly attacks on the first signal system, this time relies mainly on the actors, who make the most of it within the genre banality about the struggle of a good-hearted dispatcher with an insidious kidnapper. There is no point arguing about the psychological portraits of the characters, the snipers who don’t shoot, and a few other question marks. At least it goes by quickly.
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At the beginning, this thriller looks quite promising, but once it hits the streets, it loses its appeal. Denzel Washington excels in the scenes behind the counter, while the action, in his case, is more of an unwelcome bonus. Travolta once again played a proper jerk who even tried to have some additional depth. I kind of enjoyed it. However, this is still just an average action film more than anything else.
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Brian Helgeland's work is by far the most exciting. In a minimum of space, he builds an excellent script with a bunch of thrilling dialogues and explosive exchanges of opinions and ideas between the protagonists. Denzel Washington is one of the most talented actors of our time, and John Travolta really enjoys playing villains. Fortunately, there’s no lack of dynamics and drive, and just when it seems that everything is getting too tangled and the film is losing its initial drive, Tony Scott switches to another gear. Of course, the unmistakable visuals are not missing. A simple but well-made bite-sized treat.
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Gallery (43)
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