SJ Reviews: 'The Taking of Pelham 123'..Taught update makes a nice suspense (3)

[SouthernJet]

Remakes of classics are always tough.

This version of Pelam 123 has been updated to throw in terrorism links, internet plots and a few other twists to separate itself enough form the original to keep everyone happy.

The cast of Denzel Washington, John Travolta, John Turturro, Luis Guzman, Michael Rispoli, and James Gandolfini is beyond solid. Some reviewers are blasting Travoltas acting as over the top. But in my opinion, I beleive that wa shis intent as his character is so filled with rage and unpredicability that uneveness and exposivenes swas a smart thespian approach.

Basic plot is Denzel is a bigshot at MTA who is under investigation so therefore on teh transit dispatch board. Travolata and gang hijack the train, sorry no spoilers, and the cat and mouse takes off from there. The rapore between Travolata and Denzel is the best part of that movie an dthe psychological angle of teh drama is where this film is at its best.

Its not a greta flick, but a solid evening out.

3 's

[Vudu]

I'm just so ****ing sick of Hollywood remaking every movie. All those highly paid studio big wigs and they can't come up with an original idea that 1. Didn't come from a comic book or 2. Wasn't already made?

[Klecko73isGod]

Just watched the original on OnDemand last week. Just don't see how this version can come close.

Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw were perfect in that movie.

[SouthernJet]

I'm just so ****ing sick of Hollywood remaking every movie. All those highly paid studio big wigs and they can't come up with an original idea that 1. Didn't come from a comic book or 2. Wasn't already made?

Thats why you go to the local Independent theater in your area.

I usually mix my viewing at about 50/50 mainstream/Indies..

Bottom line, Indies creative plot driven, mainstreams forumla and special effects driven.

[SouthernJet]

Just watched the original on OnDemand last week. Just don't see how this version can come close.

Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw were perfect in that movie.

Original was better, but there are enough tweaks here to make it interesting..If yo ujust saw recently however it might be boring to ya.,,,I hadnt seen original in 30 years..

[Vudu]

Thats why you go to the local Independent theater in your area.

I usually mix my viewing at about 50/50 mainstream/Indies..

Bottom line, Indies creative plot driven, mainstreams forumla and special effects driven.

Why do that when all of those movies are available online for free?

[SouthernJet]

Why do that when all of those movies are available online for free?

because its fun to soimetomes get out with friends to watch a flick on a big screen and sound..

Stay at home and watchj on a laptop screen or 48 inch TV if thats your thing. I prefer the actual experience and social thing. Thats just me. I am lucky to not worry about the cost so I optimize the experience.

Ther eis nothing like a good flick on a big screen with a full theater..The vibe is flet.