The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009)

Director: Tony Scott

Starring: Denzel Washington, John Travolta, John Turturro

Armed men hijack a New York City subway train, holding the passengers hostage in return for a ransom, and turning an ordinary day’s work for dispatcher Walter Garber into a face-off with the mastermind behind the crime.

‘The Taking of Pelham 123’ is a modernized remake of the 1974 film of the same title.

Denzel Washington stars as train dispatcher Walter Garber, who takes a call from a train hijacker, Ryder (Travolta) and becomes directly involved. The fact Garber is under investigation made the film more interesting, and mysterious at the same time. As the film progresses, one wonders whether Garber might be working together with Ryder in a clever set-up.

John Travolta is convincing as Ryder, and makes a good antagonist. Ryder proves to be a villain to be reckoned with, and to be taken seriously. He is determined and will go to any lengths to get what he wants. This elevates the suspense, making the film unpredictable. There’s not a lot of action here, but the action sequences the film offers are excellent.

For most parts, the photography is good, with good editing, as well. Why the director opted for blurry photography at times, I don’t understand, as I found this a bit annoying. Regardless, I found ‘ The Taking of Pelham 123’ captivating from beginning to satisfying end. This was an exciting ride.

The film earned $150 million on a $100 million budget.

Would I watch it again? Yes.