The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (2009) R - 3½ Stars

The story's been done before starring Walter Matthau, but this time Denzal and Travolta take to the screen in this thriller inspired by John Godey's best seller. I think Travolta loves to play these types of roles as the educated bad guy that's done his homework and he does a good job as Ryder. The movie has good realism of the possibility of a hijack situation like this taking place and even though it's somewhat slow getting started, it soon becomes a roller coaster of suspense. Denzal was good but his character becomes too rehearsed to me for his only being a "civil service employee". Over all, a decent rental with plenty of action, drama and suspense.

Walter Garber (Denzel Washington), has been dispatching lines the New York subway station for 17 years. He knows these tunnels inside and out. His daily routine is about to take a collision course with thief Ryder (John Travolta), who along with three other thugs, have hijacked a subway train holding it's passengers hostage. Their demand is 10 million dollars within the hour or everyone on board will die.

Escape Artists, Scott Free Productions, Sony Pictures Releasing, Columbia Pictures, Metro Golden Mayer
Director: Tony Scott
Writers: Brian Helgeland, David Koepp
Producers: Todd Black, Tony Scott, Steve Tisch

I viewed 11/09