On CLIPS In July, 2009
THE TAKING OF PELHAM 1 2 3

A New York City subway train is hijacked in this thriller starring Denzel Washington and John Travolta.

TRIVIA: Who were the two leads in 1974's "The Taking Of Pelham One Two Three"?
ROG'S VIEWPOINT
     (3 CAMS)        RATED R

Criminal mastermind Ryder (John Travolta) and his henchmen hijack a New York City subway train and hold the passengers for ransom. The hostages only hope is MTA Dispatcher Walter Garber (Denzel Washington), who unwittingly becomes involved in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game with Ryder. Based on the novel by John Godey, "The Taking Of Pelham 1 2 3" is a fast-paced and tense adrenalin rush that only loses momentum near the conclusion. The 1974 original version was more character and dialog driven with one of the best and most surprising endings in cinematic history. This time around, director Tony Scott has opted for more action with chases and gunplay. One race through the streets of New York to deliver the ransom on time is truly outrageous. The two great stars carry the lulls in the film. Denzel Washington displays a quiet desperation as the harried dispatcher with more than one problem on his mind. John Travolta is over-the-top as a crazed killer who could explode at any second. His language earns the movie its R rating. John Turturro commands a few scenes as gung ho NYPD hostage negotiator Camonetti, who slowly realizes he can't do the job without Garber. James Gandolfini is a welcomed touch as the Mayor. The downside is the ending. Too bad it wasn't as clever as the 1974 classic. Nevertheless, "The Taking Of Pelham 1 2 3" is an entertaining by-the-numbers thriller.