The Brice Edward Gramm Blog

Director Tony Scott’s latest, The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, provides worthy summer thrills, but shouldn’t blow any minds. It comes as no surprise that Pelham doesn’t break any new ground, as it is a remake of an adaptation of a 1973 novel. Scott’s rendition comes 35 years after director Joseph Sargent’s, which starred Walter Matthau as MTA official-turned improv hostage negotiator Zachary Garber. This reboot sports the post-9/11 New York City vibe and a slight name change for the protagonist (now Walter Garber).

Tony Scott’s effort to make the film visually interesting ultimately falls flat. Excruciating sequences with heavy motion blur litter the 106-minute film, giving it a distracting and aesthetically displeasing quality throughout. However visually displeasing it may be, and however predictable a plot it may have, Pelham somehow still manages to provide a suspenseful and rewarding viewer experience.

The film’s real value comes from its cast. Denzel Washington and John Travolta simply rule The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, allowing the viewer to look past their huge personas to see the characters instead — and these characters are truly interesting. Screenwriter Brian Helgeland displays an obvious penchant for dialogue, keeping the witticisms fresh throughout. Noteworthy supporting performances from the magnificent John Turturro and James Gandolfini round out an exceptional, star-heavy cast.

Ultimately, The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 is another testosterone-laden hostage thriller for the books, but one well worthy of a date and a bag of popcorn on a warm summer eve (if you’re into that sort of thing).

Did you see The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3? What did you think of the film? Let me know in the comments below.

My Rating: