The Taking of Pelham 123

A Walter Matthau remake from back in the seventies, this version is more than likely more gritty. I haven't seen the original, but remakes tend to push the envelope, especially when there is a 30 year gap between the two. Let me start by saying, John Travolta was born to play a bad guy or villain of any kind. He does such a good job at those roles. He plays hard and we really believe he is a bad dude. He is calm and cool all the while killing and mayhem he is bringing. Most remakes automatically get a negative rap. In this particular villainous role, Travolta takes a subway hostage along with 19 passengers. He wants a ransom, yada yada yada, same ol' story. Right? Wrong. It turns into a really intelligent plot that is as twisted as is smart. MTA operator, Walter, (Denzel) is the unlucky soul on the other end of the line when our terrorists take over. He is currently dealing with issues in his own career, that he really doesn't need to pile this on top of that. When the pro's come in, Turturro, that does not please Ryder (Travolta). He is happy dealing with Walter. The ransom is a nice round number, and that's when the mayor is brought into the picture. The mayor is played by the always heavy nose breather, Tony Soprano. Do we negotiate? Do we not? So many questions. What's for sure is the fact that Ryder is unafraid to pull the trigger when he doesn't get what he wants. It's very intense throughout, but the last twenty minutes will have you on the edge. I loved the Pelham remake and really want to watch the original now. 

NBM rates The Taking of Pelham  123 - Awesome

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