The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3
Columbia Pictures | Release Date: June 12, 2009
6.3
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 188 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
89
Mixed:
74
Negative:
25
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
7
grandpajoe6191Sep 29, 2011
Despite the fact that the movie suffered painful cliches during the whole time, "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3" is a great,fast paced remake of the 1974 original (never saw it though). The movie's highlight you would want to watch is theDespite the fact that the movie suffered painful cliches during the whole time, "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3" is a great,fast paced remake of the 1974 original (never saw it though). The movie's highlight you would want to watch is the frenzied cinematography of director Tony Scott as well as the tense acting of John Travolta and Denzel Washington.… Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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9
JasonNJun 13, 2009
Great acting.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
7
MikeKSep 10, 2010
The perfect rental. Not very substantial, but always entertaining and very intense when it needs to be. Denzel and Travolta's good/bad guy relationship is the star of the show here.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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5
TetsuoFeb 1, 2011
I'm a fan of the book and '74 film starring Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw. When I saw it it was a great idea of updating the setting to post-9/11 New York. The acting from Denzel Washington and John Travolta is good and the film is like aI'm a fan of the book and '74 film starring Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw. When I saw it it was a great idea of updating the setting to post-9/11 New York. The acting from Denzel Washington and John Travolta is good and the film is like a ticking clock film. The biggest problem is that while the first 2 acts are strong, the third and final act turns into a cliche action movie with loses all the momentum. If they chose and final act similar to the book and original film it would of been a lot better.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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1
DwayneTJul 5, 2009
A roller coaster ride that doesn't make any sense. Just outright stupid.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
10
LoganHNov 3, 2009
Actors in this movie seem like they were given a lot of freedom in this movie and just have fun. Denzel and Travolta are amazing in this movie.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
6
MikeYJun 12, 2009
Sort of boring, two good actors saves it.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
6
BobFlJun 13, 2009
Travolta's manic emoting was over the top. Why do screenwriters feel compelled to infect every other line of dialogue with the F word? It's both gratuitous and juvenile.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
3
LondonTrueloveNov 10, 2010
I'm a Travolta fan, and a big Denzel fan, but together they just plain blew. The whole time you're just waiting for the movie to get good and it never does. Not to mention the ending was horrible.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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5
RayzorMooseNov 16, 2013
The Taking of Pelham is very entertaining.
Overly qualified actors with an average to poor script mixed with great execution. Plot holes plague this otherwise exciting film, and the directing is good. The film is well paced and theThe Taking of Pelham is very entertaining.
Overly qualified actors with an average to poor script mixed with great execution. Plot holes plague this otherwise exciting film, and the directing is good. The film is well paced and the entertainment value is great. The last half of the movie then becomes sloppy and loses some momentum.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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9
JosiahKJun 28, 2009
Great performance by Travolta and Washington. I really was surprised by how entertaining this movie turned out to be.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
EvinCAug 12, 2009
Most of the action in this film just seems unnecessary. It is slightly captivating. John Travolta is just too much. Give it up for James Gandolfini being the goofy mayor. He was the best.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
JoelSAug 5, 2009
It's not a bad film, its just been done so many times before. Denzel is the same, Travolta's not bad as the villain, but films like this need to be smarter these days. This isn't 1985. We are over Die Hard and Speed-type It's not a bad film, its just been done so many times before. Denzel is the same, Travolta's not bad as the villain, but films like this need to be smarter these days. This isn't 1985. We are over Die Hard and Speed-type movies. Films like Inside Man, which are more intelligent and creative need to be the prototype for dodgy-yet interesting-action movies in the 21st century.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
StephanP.Oct 1, 2009
This movie was extremely tiresome. The only thing that worked to it's favor was the first two minutes.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
CapoROct 11, 2009
It may leave you at the edge of your seat most of the time but there's something lacking in the movie. Nevertheless, this is a movie that will be remembered as one of the best thrillers so far.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
LaszloSNov 9, 2009
What was the ingenious twist in this movie? That the bad guy is making money on the stock exchange? That the good guy follows the bad guy after he had a chance to escape. No. It s a disappointment. The story could be done in 15 minutes also.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
CarlosSDec 5, 2009
No waiting around for action in the movie. John is awesome as a bad guy in this movie. From begining to end this movie is great.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
2
PaulSJun 12, 2009
Another movie that Hollywood should not have re-made.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
ChadS.Jun 14, 2009
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Pioneering filmmakers Auguste and Louis Lumiere would be proud. Recalling a nineteenth century bijou audience's reaction to a train arriving at a station(from the short subject film The more things change, the more they stay the same. Pioneering filmmakers Auguste and Louis Lumiere would be proud. Recalling a nineteenth century bijou audience's reaction to a train arriving at a station(from the short subject film "L'arrive d'un train a la ciotat"), a young woman backs away from her computer screen when one of the terrorists discovers her boyfriend's laptop. Since "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3" isn't a Japanese horror movie, her agitated state caused by the approaching man is unwarranted. She doesn't cover her face like a moviegoer would during the scary parts(for instance, Hideo Nakata's "Ringu"); she forgets about the physical laws of demarcation, just like those patrons who fled their seats from the speeding locomotive circa 1897. She forgets her twenty-first century sophisticated self for a split second and cowers as if her life was in mortal danger. But a lot has indeed changed since 1974: a self-reflexive moment comments on the Joeph Sargent original, in which Camonetti(John Turturro), the official hostage negotiator, tries to replace Walter Garber(Denzel Washington) as the lead actor by taking over the impending crisis. Ryder(John Travolta), despite being the story's antagonist, on an extra-diegetic level, performs textually as the film's advocate for social change, when he restores Walter to his rightful spot of being the man in charge(the leading man). Sharing the same first name with the original film's star(Walter Matthau played Lt. Garber in the early-seventies "classic"), not only does "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3" pay tribute to the late actor, it also comments discreetly on colorblind casting, in which a "man of color" can play a role originally written for a white actor, as Washington did in a fairly recent Broadway production of William Shakespeare's "Julius Cesar" where he played Brutus.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
2
LindaJun 21, 2009
Sometimes they shoud just leave things alone. The original with Walter Mathau was great. They tried to up that one using two very popular actors in Denzel and John T. Although the acting was great the story fell apart in the second half of Sometimes they shoud just leave things alone. The original with Walter Mathau was great. They tried to up that one using two very popular actors in Denzel and John T. Although the acting was great the story fell apart in the second half of the movie. And where the movie started out worryng about the hostages, instead an untrained Washington turned the ending into a mano to mano cops and robber caper with the passengers all but forgotten leaving them to get out of their own misfortune. Awful writing.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
SeanFJun 20, 2009
The movie was sailing along very nicey until the last 30 minutes. Then nothing made any sense. Doesn't anyone read these scripts to see all the plot holes? Wait for this on TV.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
HowardJJul 3, 2009
Well done on acting, especially Denzel Washington. I am not sure if all the cursing was required on Travolta's part. While I was able to follow most of the plot, there were parts that lost my wife. Nice updating of the 1974 original.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JonnyWAug 11, 2009
A film that has it all, a rich and powerful storyline, believable and likable characters, and perhaps less importantly a great soundtrack and sense of humor.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JoshWAug 4, 2009
A great movie! well acted with a very clever plot and a fantastic finale!!!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
YSHSep 13, 2009
Electric performances from Washington and Travolta - the tension arcs and crackles! Good performance too from Turturro. The story has some great plot twists and the camera work looks slick. Well worth a watch.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
MayaFNov 7, 2009
Seen it, survived it. for the action lovers it might be a little bit boring nd for the philosophers a bit shallow... anyway, already seen in many many movies.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
JayHOct 28, 2009
Although it
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
JudyTJun 12, 2009
So So Hollywood fare. Denzel and Gandolfino were great but everyone and everything else was jjust medicore.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
TotoBJun 12, 2009
Loved it. Easy fast ride.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
MikeKJun 13, 2009
Good start, fell apart towards the middle too long a movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
TomSJun 14, 2009
All action. Not a boring moment. A lot of fun.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
FantasyJun 14, 2009
Fast pace hostage thriller with John Travolta as the BAD guy and Denzel Washington the GOOD guy. Many plot holes in the story as it would have been nice to have character development to see why they became who they were? In the end, the Fast pace hostage thriller with John Travolta as the BAD guy and Denzel Washington the GOOD guy. Many plot holes in the story as it would have been nice to have character development to see why they became who they were? In the end, the movie loses its credibility as Denzel reverts from ordinary Joe Citizen to action hero. The whole premise was ridiculous in the first place. Not a bad movie but not a good one either. A nice way to spend a rainy afternoon.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
DaleC.Jun 18, 2009
Awful. And I'm not just saying that as a fan of the original. Tony Scott's horrible editing style makes no sense and adds nothing to the story. The music is terrible. The visual give-aways are an insult to anyone who has a brain. 1 Awful. And I'm not just saying that as a fan of the original. Tony Scott's horrible editing style makes no sense and adds nothing to the story. The music is terrible. The visual give-aways are an insult to anyone who has a brain. 1 point for Denzel's good performance. Skip it. You're missing nothing.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
JackFJun 18, 2009
This was the best movie that I've seen this year!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
ArdenJun 18, 2009
Action, action, and more action. The movie sucks you in from the beginning. Then in the last 30 minutes the movie falls apart as the credibility of the script cannot be overlooked. The Denzel Washington character goes from middle aged desk Action, action, and more action. The movie sucks you in from the beginning. Then in the last 30 minutes the movie falls apart as the credibility of the script cannot be overlooked. The Denzel Washington character goes from middle aged desk jockey without any training to Rambo.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
ShadowWJun 25, 2009
I did not get too bored, however it was not what I really expected.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
BobKJun 29, 2009
I'm surprised this movie got such mediocre reviews. It was good entertainment and well worth the admission. It's been a long time since I've seen the original - maybe I'll try and rent it.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
ChrisP.Aug 17, 2009
Denzel was really good one more time.I just love his movies. the movie has a lot of action and and a powerful plot.of course also mentionable must be the amazing song of jigga "99 problems"!!!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
johnny2centsNov 13, 2009
I really didn't know if I should laugh at the pure stupidity of this piece of insulting crap or cry because I wasted time on this nonsense. I wish Tony Scott would cut it out already with the grainy jittery shit. It was cute in Man on I really didn't know if I should laugh at the pure stupidity of this piece of insulting crap or cry because I wasted time on this nonsense. I wish Tony Scott would cut it out already with the grainy jittery shit. It was cute in Man on Fire but enough. I read most of the Users critics and no wonder the state of movie making is in the shape it is in, looks like most people will settle for anything. As long as there is a bang and a boom then some salty cursing every 2 minutes it doesn't matter that the movie made absolute ZERO sense. Entertain me but please don't insult me.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
garyJun 15, 2009
Just ridiculous. Spoilers omitted. John T plots hijack of subway train. Denzel works for the NYCTA as a dispatcher with a past. Somehow within an hour the police give him a gun and turn him loose on NYC even though he is not licensed to Just ridiculous. Spoilers omitted. John T plots hijack of subway train. Denzel works for the NYCTA as a dispatcher with a past. Somehow within an hour the police give him a gun and turn him loose on NYC even though he is not licensed to carry a gun or knows how to use it. And he is relentness like The Terminator. If you use your brain nothing makes any sense. Ridiculous.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
RobertJun 17, 2009
The movie was good to start and then fell apart completely. Whoever writes this crap should be arrested for impersonating a writer. Let me ask a question? Would someone just released from prison use his own name and invest millions but never The movie was good to start and then fell apart completely. Whoever writes this crap should be arrested for impersonating a writer. Let me ask a question? Would someone just released from prison use his own name and invest millions but never consummate the trade to lock up a profit? And would that person risk his own life instead of hiring thugs to pull off his masterplan for chump change? Would a mild mannered transit worker who rides the trains to and from work suddenly learn how to shoot a gun and drive thru the streets of NY like Evil Knievel? And if a black man ran around the streets of NY waving a gun do you think that somewhere someone may have called a policeman? And if a subway train is roaring out of control on elevated tracks do you think that one of the passengers might dial 911 on their cell to advise that there is no motorman? And there's an open computer the entire time. There were more plot holes in this movie than swiss cheese. After the movie is over you start thinking and nothing makes any sense. Just awful.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
JeffG.Jun 23, 2009
What makes this movie really bad is this: Every New Yorker knows that they would have shut-down the whole subway system if this really happened. In the movie, trains with passengers were going by the police on the tracks with rifles. What makes this movie really bad is this: Every New Yorker knows that they would have shut-down the whole subway system if this really happened. In the movie, trains with passengers were going by the police on the tracks with rifles. Additionally, the hi-jackers had guns. And trains with everyday passengers were passing by. This would never happened. New Yorkers know better. The movie needed the cheap thrill of trains moving by. This made the film incredible. Maybe the folks who made the movie have never taken the NYC subways. But even someone who never rode the NYC subways can fiqure out that the whole entire system would have come to a stop!!!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
NIkoTheVideoKIDJun 24, 2009
Ok, so first of all, I honsestly like John Travolta as Ryder, and I thought the banter between him and Garber was believable and interesting. He is beleivable, but some of his cohorts are simply un-cool.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
RielCJul 14, 2009
This is one of my favorite movies!!! The critics got it all wrong. They said all of the 4 X-Men movies sucked, and they were all good weren't they?? They also said the movie Taken sucked. That was one of my favorite movies... Anyway, This is one of my favorite movies!!! The critics got it all wrong. They said all of the 4 X-Men movies sucked, and they were all good weren't they?? They also said the movie Taken sucked. That was one of my favorite movies... Anyway, The Taking of Pelham 123 is an excellent movie. There is major suspense, and you always think you know what will happen, but then the movie just takes a different turn. This movie has a supreme story, and everything is just perfect. … Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
DarkCriticAug 28, 2010
The Taking of Pelham 1,2,3 is a pretty good remake since the 1974 of the original,but not that close. It has good scenes in the subway and some trains that they could ride. But little too much,I see that they swap the scenes that they shootThe Taking of Pelham 1,2,3 is a pretty good remake since the 1974 of the original,but not that close. It has good scenes in the subway and some trains that they could ride. But little too much,I see that they swap the scenes that they shoot every subways and every trains that they located in New York City,but not different location that they where at. I'm more like a subway likable person that I see subways all the time. Denzel Washington is awesome in the cast. John Travolta was too weak as a villian,but okay. It has good scene when they take the hostages by those terrorists at the inside of the train. But it is a okay remake,but the original still is the best.… Expand
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4
seiferJan 6, 2011
This movie could use some work, it seems as though it was made in a space a 1hr... because it's tripe... but with some advantages... NO further discussion... so 4!
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
rotkuOct 11, 2011
Not a patch on the original movie but not hideous either. I thought the train passengers were under used and there was no real character building for the gang members, (Travolta excluded) having said that I enjoyed the movie although howNot a patch on the original movie but not hideous either. I thought the train passengers were under used and there was no real character building for the gang members, (Travolta excluded) having said that I enjoyed the movie although how wrong can you go with the talents or John Travolta & Denzel Washington (and even though the part was much smaller James Gandolfini) which were the main reasons the movie reached a decent level. Turned into a cliche in the end but worth a watch none the less.… Expand
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4
Jefflyn90Dec 4, 2011
The script removes everything that is memorable from the first film and yet tries to burden the main characters with complicated back stories which you won't really understand. Although the director's style of editing and blurring images doThe script removes everything that is memorable from the first film and yet tries to burden the main characters with complicated back stories which you won't really understand. Although the director's style of editing and blurring images do give it the upper hand sometimes, its a big pity that a crash scene steals the spotlight from the main event. Also with these types of films reality is normally not a problem, but it becomes so disengaging that its difficult to get by the miracle internet connection in the subway, how Ryder is hoping to profit from the heist and the fact that Garber seems to be the only one who knows the subway.… Expand
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6
A_NorthernerApr 17, 2013
I'm going to get straight to it, upset fans of the original and say that on the whole I quite enjoyed this film. Don't get me wrong it is definitely not without it's flaws, none more so than the hugely anti-climatic ending, cut-out bad guysI'm going to get straight to it, upset fans of the original and say that on the whole I quite enjoyed this film. Don't get me wrong it is definitely not without it's flaws, none more so than the hugely anti-climatic ending, cut-out bad guys (except Travolta) and terrible character writing for James Gandolfini's Mayor but up until the ending I enjoyed Tony Scott's fast paced and stylish direction and Washington's performance. The opening sequence, in which the train is hijacked, is a fantastic sequence of New York both above and below ground, framed through quickly edited long-taken blurred shots of colourful taxis and trains all played out to Jay-Z's 99 Problem's.

Travolta's role see him reprise his familiar, unhinged and over the top villain from Face/Off (as Cage) that I can cope with in reasonable doses. Unfortunately, he is given a really clichéd profanity heavy script that doesn't do the film any favours.

The film works best when Ryder and Garber are separate and playing traditional roles of terrorist and negotiator and begins to stall when Garber leaves the office to meet up with Ryder. The less said about the film's ending the better.… Expand
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8
RealMuthaFAug 22, 2014
Only posting this because I think this movie is a bit underrated. I haven't watched the 1974 original, but I must say that this is expertly crafted, with two great actors on the main roles - Denzel Washington and John Travolta - performingOnly posting this because I think this movie is a bit underrated. I haven't watched the 1974 original, but I must say that this is expertly crafted, with two great actors on the main roles - Denzel Washington and John Travolta - performing outstandingly, with great charisma. The movie, while presenting a pretty straightforward hostage situation plot (and some awkward subplots, like the teen couple), is very intense with suspense being almost palpable at certain moments.
So, know this: Tony Scott (rest in peace) didn't make bad movies. And Denzel Washington doesn't star in bad movies. So when Washington stars in a film by Scott, it just can't go wrong. And it didn't.… Expand
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6
dev92Aug 25, 2012
Tony Scott produces another decent film despite all the cliches and the ridiculous look that John Travolta was wearing. A solid popcorn cruncher which will please most action fans without rocking the boat very much.
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8
oblique15Sep 1, 2013
You can wish for more out of a movie, but "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3," is more than fine. The talk between John Travolta and Denzel Washington was very interesting the whole way. Honestly the whole movie is interesting all the way to the end.
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5
Compi24Nov 28, 2012
Save for the two impressive lead performances, it's pretty ridiculous.
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2
MeritCobaJun 1, 2019
This movie propagates a cynical view of humanity that many moviemakers cater to and by doing so feed it. It is what sells to a crowd that has lost their faith in the authorities and whose faith gets further eroded away by movies like these.This movie propagates a cynical view of humanity that many moviemakers cater to and by doing so feed it. It is what sells to a crowd that has lost their faith in the authorities and whose faith gets further eroded away by movies like these. The police is incompetent, politicians are self-serving, reporters fabricate lies, the judicial system is failing. It is all in there. Man is wolf to man. The only thing they didn't lose faith in is the hero,as they think themselves to be that hero, but it would be the ultimate unraveling of society if even the hero can no longer be trusted(this movie gets close

I find it annoying that moviemakers like Tony Scott feel that they have to make the bad guy pure evil. He has to make Washington's boss into a bastard. He has to make the police incompetent. He has to make the mayor into a self-serving git. He has to tick all those cliches just to crank out a story.
It just shows poor storytelling if you think that you can't achieve a (good) movie without making a lot of honest well-meaning and hardworking people into buffoons, crooks and morons. Is it so impossible to just show normal people dealing with a bad situation instead of stacking up a huge pile of cliches?… Expand
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7
ThegodfathersonFeb 12, 2015
This is a solid remake, it pays homage to the classic and adds in pop culture to entertain new viewers. Denzel Washington, perfectly plays, Walter Garber, a man who is caught in a race against time, when he is trying to get hostages out of aThis is a solid remake, it pays homage to the classic and adds in pop culture to entertain new viewers. Denzel Washington, perfectly plays, Walter Garber, a man who is caught in a race against time, when he is trying to get hostages out of a train, run by a madman- Ryder, played brilliantly by John Travolta. The flashy editing, with JayZ's 99 Problems ringing out in tough moments, is pure gold. It adds a funny spice to it. Garber is revealed to have taken a bribe, and more hell goes down in the 1 hr and 20 minutes of this film. It has it problems though. The movie is very short, compared to the classic. Major plot holes are never shed light on, and James Gandolfini's Mayor turns into a dick quickly. The screenplay is okay, the actors have simple lines, and none of them have a kick to it. Overall, this is an attempt at making a redefined 123, and it works for the most part. Tony Scott, R.I.P.… Expand
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5
abhinabJul 6, 2013
The plot is not that interesting but the acting of Denzel Washington is pretty good. The message is not clearly viewed. Th ending is rather stunning and not surprising, overall its averaged.
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7
MovieGuysApr 23, 2014
The remake of this great action caper isn't as bad as most will say. It might not be that faithful to the original's methods of storytelling and thrills, but it is still a good effort. It's nice to see present-day actors like Travolta andThe remake of this great action caper isn't as bad as most will say. It might not be that faithful to the original's methods of storytelling and thrills, but it is still a good effort. It's nice to see present-day actors like Travolta and Denzel pull this thing off.… Expand
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7
ydnar4Feb 12, 2015
Its cool to see a action movie that has two great actors, one as the protagonist and one as the antagonist. I love watching the bickering between Washington and Travolta throughout the movie. I'd watch this again.
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6
CineAutoctonoDec 7, 2015
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 was a film was almost interesting, because very boring , just, but a ransom for a hijacked train, is a risky mission and somewhat interesting, because there is not much to play cards .
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5
EpicLadySpongeApr 4, 2016
Pelham 1 has been found just standing right there without any movement. Pelham 2 is just moving all over the place with no aim to go to. Pelham 3 and their rides have been canceled for these people's safety.
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4
BroyaxJan 18, 2017
On va commencer par ce qui fonctionne, ça ira plus vite. Travolta (ré)endosse son rôle de méchant cabotineur de Broken Arrow (entre autres) et déroule tranquillement ses dialogues de vilain excentrique tantôt agité, tantôt rigolard avec bienOn va commencer par ce qui fonctionne, ça ira plus vite. Travolta (ré)endosse son rôle de méchant cabotineur de Broken Arrow (entre autres) et déroule tranquillement ses dialogues de vilain excentrique tantôt agité, tantôt rigolard avec bien entendu le grand méchant bouc et les lunettes de soleil trop stylées. Il s'agit donc de son numéro de poseur dont il a le secret mais prenez garde, car il ne fait que ça pendant tout le film (je demande donc aux personnes nerveusement sensibles de garder leurs distances).

En contrepoint, on a le Washington habituel, à savoir le héros qui a pissé à côté de la cuvette mais qui, l'oeil humide de remords, avoue sa faute, sa très grande faute et remporte l'absolution du spectateur parce qu'il est le héros et que le monde a besoin de lui parce qu'il doit sauver le monde (cf A l'épreuve du feu -entre autres). Il porte le gentil bouc du bon père de famille et les lunettes de la Sécurité Sociale (s'il existait une Sécu aux US, cela va de soi).

John Turturro est donc le seul acteur normal qui fait son boulot... normalement. Il détonne du coup considérablement dans ce merdier.

Le scénario perd pied très souvent et se noie dans moult incohérences et on ne lui en tiendrait pas grand grief si la réalisation de Ridley... pardon Tony Scott savait au moins se tenir correctement. Hélas, comme un sale petit morveux qui se lève de table pour faire des conneries, Tony agite sa caméra, la secoue, l'accélère, la saccade au ralenti, lui rajoute du flou et monte le tout un peu trop rapidement. Oh bien sûr, on reste loin des "cadors" Liman, Greengrass ou Bay mais tout de même, ça fait désordre.

En fait, on ne sait plus trop pourquoi on continue de regarder cette pantalonnade hollywoodienne percluse de tics et de tocs... sans doute parce qu'on a pas fini le pop-corn et qu'il faudrait se lever pour chercher une autre bière. Car on doit lui reconnaître ça : on ne s'y ennuie pas !… Expand
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9
fedorloshakovOct 9, 2022
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is an awesome film by Tony Scott. It is well developed and the theme of train system of NYC is well showed. And it is nice to see John Travolta as almost crazy charismatic antagonist doing what he wants. And of course Denzel Washington as usual plays were qualified worker of train system and as usual saves the day. Very much enjoyed.… Expand
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2
FilipeNetoSep 2, 2019
A good Denzel, an acceptable Travolta, some action and a mediocre script.

It was with little expectation that I saw this movie, since I already guessed that, being a pure action movie, it would not be particularly remarkable. I didn't knowA good Denzel, an acceptable Travolta, some action and a mediocre script.

It was with little expectation that I saw this movie, since I already guessed that, being a pure action movie, it would not be particularly remarkable. I didn't know it was a remake of an older movie, nor did I bother to see that movie because I didn't even find it.

The movie basically talks about a hostage situation inside a New York subway carriage. Nothing original, we've seen better things in other movies. There are dead, there are innocent victims, there are good doses of action for those looking for it, but there is no firm plot behind it. What we have are basic premises that lead to the situation that is happening. There are two characters who stand out (the cynical and ruthless kidnapper leader and the innocent subway traffic technician he insists on negotiating) who dominate the film, and everything else boils down to action, an attempt of permanent tension where everyone's lives are at stake. But the tension is so artificial that I never truly felt it because it was already guessed that all, or almost all, would save themselves in the end.

Denzel Washington and John Travolta bring the film's central characters to life, and their relationship is truly strong and can keep audiences interested in what's going on. Proof of this are the careful and interesting dialogues between both characters. Travolta, nonetheless, is an actor who does not work hard, leaving the hard work to Denzel. The rest of the actors are doing what they can, but the material given to them is small and bad. James Gandolfini, John Turturro and others are strongly affected and I doubt they have fond memories of this movie.

Technically, the movie is regular, not to say rather mediocre. From this negative scenario, however, there is a very decent soundtrack that goes against what we expect in an action movie, and an interesting cinematography, with good light and shadow, the faded colors at the expense of greater camera movement. Effects that would have accentuated the audience's sense of discomfort ... if they had not already fallen asleep with the boring, predictable and slow script that is presented.… Expand
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7
DawdlingPoetNov 26, 2021
I thought this was quite a tense and gripping film. I preferred it to the somewhat recent remake, from what I remember, though I did see that quite some years ago. I thought the story was interesting and the characters, the bad guys so toI thought this was quite a tense and gripping film. I preferred it to the somewhat recent remake, from what I remember, though I did see that quite some years ago. I thought the story was interesting and the characters, the bad guys so to speak, were quite sinister and mysterious. I was left guessing quite a lot. I thought the ending was quite good too - subtle but good. I also liked it as Walter Matthau was in it and I haven't seen him in many films. There were some racist comments made but I suppose its a film of its time maybe? (it dates from 1974). I wouldn't say it was necessarily one of the most amazing films I've ever seen but its a pretty solid film never the less and so I would recommend it, yes.… Expand
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7
ChunkDumpDec 22, 2020
when you think a normal day work is going to go smooth until John Travolta shows up. calm and collective Denzel with Johns demanding and spontaneous nature. get that milk and go home.
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