The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3

Denzel does it again and proves why he is a 2 time Oscar winner.
Taking of Pelham not only showcases Denzel’s talents but John Travolta’s as well.
Denzel stars as New York City subway dispatcher Walter Garber, whose ordinary day is thrown into chaos by the hijacking of a subway train
The original 1974 movie was not a big box office success but the acting was top notch with Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw and the ending was one of the most memorable ones of all the movies made during the 70s.
No need to see the original to enjoy this new version. Tony Scott pairs well with Denzel and action (see 2004 Man on Fire). It was great to see Tony Soprano on the screen again (James Gandolfini) playing the mayor of NYC. He is missed and I pray that HBO makes a Sapronos movie to tie up loose ends (like the Russian that escaped in the snow in the Pine Needles episode).
Back to Pelham. I love when Travolta says the MotherF word throughout the movie with such relish. John Travolta was nominated early in his career for Saturday Night Fever. When he lost his mother told him it was a good thing because he wouldn’t have anything to look forward to. Well John does an awesome job and during the movie you forget that he is Travolta.

Verdict: Solid remake. Definitely go see it and rent the original and watch it on a rainy day.