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'Pelham 123': High adrenaline action
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Brace yourself because the new ‘The Taking of Pelham 123’ is “on steroids – very intense, very hyped, and very contemporary” – and aptly said by John Travolta who stars in the film. Director Tony Scott takes on NYC and the MTA subway system to a new level of action that will keep audiences at the edge of their seats.
‘The Taking of Pelham 123’ is not a remake of the 1970’s cult classic. Instead is a new take on the bestselling novel by John Godey, so do not expect Walther Mathau and Robert Shaw’s role to be imitated on screen. This time around Scott – with screenwriter Brian Helgeland – has reworked the story into a modern day thriller but keeping in the original idea: the hijacking of a subway train. The story is a startling cat-and-mouse game between Walter Gaber – superbly performed by Denzel Washington – and Ryder (Travolta) who after taking on the subway train demands a high ransom in return.
Scott expands the simple – and somewhat straight storyline – in the film intensifying the relationship between the two main characters. The differences between Garber – the civil servant who controls the traffic subway system – and Ryder – the mastermind of this terrorizing action – are vast. The dialogue is intelligent and well-crafted to give each character a full scope to understand them. Washington definitely anchors the film – he is simply mesmerizing as an ordinary man in the middle of a chaotic stand. And Travolta shows off how much fun is to play the bad guy once in a while.
The film also has Scott’s signature adrenaline pumping action sequences, camera angles and pace – similar in grandeur to ‘Déjà Vu’, ‘Crimson Tide’ and ‘Man of Fire’. Many of them were shot in NYC and in the subway system in order to capture the gritty essence of the story – because overall ‘The Taking of Pelham 123’ is a New York story. The film is a great action thriller offering more than a bumpy ride – and certainly will become a favorite among New Yorkers. And you might want to play close attention; the title of the film has nothing to do with the 1, 2 or 3 subway lines that run along the city.
For more info: Tickets and Showtime at Fandango
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