Transsiberian (2008) R - 3½ Stars

If you watch the coming attractions for this movie you will think you have watched a different movie. I have not noticed this before, but I don't think the trailer does the movies justice. I thought it took a much different turn than the trailer suggested. Plus I like the fact that it's one of those movies, at least at the beginning when you think you know what's going to happen and something different entirely does.

Roy (Woody Harrelson) and Jessie (Emily Mortimer) are an American couple traveling from Beijing, China to Moscow, Russia via the Transsiberian railway. It's the first time Jessie has ever done this type of traveling so she is a bit uneasy about who to trust and not understanding the language. The two meet up with another couple on the train Abby (Kate Mara) and Carlos (Eduardo Noriega) traveling the same route. Though Jessie doesn't seam to trust their new friends, Roy thinks it's exactly what they need to share the experience of a life time.

At the first stop, everyone gets to leave the train and sight see a bit before re boarding. Jessie and the new companions board the train for it's next destination while Roy manages to miss the call. Panicked and alone, her only choice is to stop at the next town and stay the night to await for Roy on the next train. But that's when the trouble begins as Carlos convinces Jessie to go on a private tour with her. She learns that Carlos is a drug smuggler and has stashed his nesting dolls into Jessie's bag. When Roy finally meets up with Jessie again, they are joined by Roy's new friends, Russian detective Grinko (Ben Kingsley)and Kolzak (Thomas Kretschmann). The ride now becomes an "E ticket" into the twilight zone while the couple is terrorize on their unforgettable journey.

First Look Studios
Director: Brad Anderson
Writers: Will Conroy, Brad Anderson
Producer: Julio Fernández

I viewed 2/09