THE TAKING OF PELHAM 123

Starring John Travolta and Denzel Washington

I mentioned in an earlier edition that we as movie goers will be treated to a disgusting average of 1 unoriginal movie per week for the next two years in the form of either sequels or remakes or adapted novels.Here we have simply the latest in that long line.The original version came 35 years ago and starred Walter Matthau and was a genuine hit.Fast forward a few decades later and update the cast with some big guns and buckle up for yet another movie who's ending is already common knowledge to previous fans.The only reason I bothered with this one is because I hadn't actually seen the original and so I found the idea somewhat intriguing albeit formulaic in principal.
From the opening credits featuring Jay Zs song 99 Problems (ironically a remake of an Ice T original) I got into a nice little groove and was ready for a gritty little flick.For the most part,that's what the viewer gets.The suspense was established nicely and Travolta's character was almost too likable to be the heavy but he pulled it off as it went on.If the movie stayed as a back and forth exchange between the two leads,I would have been o.k with that.But alas,the streets eventually fill with action that was for the most part an absolute joke.We see a remarkable car crash that was spectacular in every way except for the fact that it was absolutely unnecessary.I mean really unwarranted,there was no chase,no shoot out,no trap set,the cop car simply gets caught speeding and hits another car and the accident would have easily killed everyone involved,but that's not the focus,so its not even addressed.
Aside from the customary action needlessly injected,this was a nice and dirty story with a sort of seldom seen ending after an initial twist is revealed and its maybe worth a casual viewing.Certainly not worth the 15 bucks plunked down at the new digital v.i.p cinema in my town,not by a long shot.But that's another story.
This one basically boils down to whether or not you're a fan of the two leads.If so,giver' a go.

Rating 2 1/2 plot twists out of 5