The Taking Of Pelham 123 (out 11 January 10, Cert. 15)

John Travolta, Denzel Washington, James Gandolfini, John Turturro, dir. Tony Scott, 2009, cert. 15

Set in present day New York City, The Taking of Pelham 123 is Tony Scott's remake of a 70s thriller starring Walter Matthau and  Robert Shaw. This time around the leads are competently portrayed by hostage taker John Travolta, transit civil servant Denzel Washington, negotiator John Turturro and NYC mayor James Gandolfini. While the pace and thrill of the original have translated well into the digital age, one cannot help but feel that director Tony Scott is trying too hard. Travolta's motives are signposted in big flashing neons almost from the get go, but this would be fine if not for unnecessary camera effects that manage to get in the way throughout. What could have been a successful updating winds up at time feeling a bit dated, with a slightly over-the-top car chase straight out of the 80s to boot. The screenplay is pacy enough to get you through to the end with reasonnable excitment, but despite decent plot and dialogues The Taking Of Pelham 123 fails to gel. A reasonnably exciting, fast-paced action thriller  - worth watching for its quality cast and plot, but rather disposable.

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