Originally a thriller novel, then a film released in 1974, moving onto a Television film in 1998 and eleven years later released as a modern day remake. The Taking of Pelham 123 was therefore too popular a story for me to miss. Directed by Tony Scott and starring Denzel Washington and John Travolta, the remake was looking very promising.
Some may find it hard to believe, but John Travolta actually plays the cruel and ruthless character known as Ryder in this film. Former Wall Street money man, Ryder finds himself angered after spending a long stint in Jail for something he believes he didn’t deserve. So what better way to take revenge on the City and to make some money at the same time, but to hijack a Subway Train (i.e. Pelham 123). Walter Garber (Denzel Washington) is the unlucky rail control officer to take Ryder’s call and find’s himself caught up in a whirlwind of money, hard decisions and merciless blood shed.
I won’t give away the ending, but what I will say is the acting in this film is truly captivating, with Washington and Travolta playing out of their comfort zones. Yes Denzel is once again the hero of the film, but not one you’d expect. He’s no Creasy or Agent Doug Carlin that’s for sure, but he does an excellent and compelling job as normal guy Walter Garber. The same goes for John Travolta. He plays this wicked and spiteful man so convincingly, something you wouldn’t expect from the same actor who played Edna in Hairspray.
Overall I would say that this film takes nothing away from the original. It might follow the same story, but Tony Scott does well to create an entirely different film.
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