Variety
More than anything a fascinating portrait of how much New York has changed in 35 years, the film delivers the goods in excitement and big-star charisma.
Full review
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (2009)
Denzel Washington stars as New York City subway dispatcher Walter Garber, whose ordinary day is thrown into chaos by an audacious crime: the hijacking of a subway train. A mustachioed John Travolta stars as Ryder, the criminal mastermind who, as leader of a highly-armed gang of four, threatens to execute the train’s passengers unless a large ransom is paid within one hour. As the tension mounts beneath his feet, Garber employs his vast knowledge of the subway system in a battle to outwit Ryder and save the hostages. But there’s one riddle Garber can't solve: even if the thieves get the money, how can they possibly escape?
Tony Scott (Top Gun, Enemy of the State) directs this remake of the Walter Matthau-starring 1974 thriller.
Less2009Rating: R16, contains violence & offensive language121 minsUSA, UK
ActionDramaThriller
- Director:
- Tony Scott ('Top Gun', 'Days of Thunder', 'Enemy of the State', 'Spy Game', 'Man on Fire')
- Writer:
- Brian Helgeland
- Cast:
- Denzel WashingtonJohn TravoltaJames GandolfiniJohn TurturroLuis Guzmán
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (2009) | Reviews
Total Film
For a good hour, Scott delivers a tense cat-and-mouser. Goes off track when Denzel turns action hero, but his riffing with a sinister Trav is what propels this Pelham.
Full review
The New York Times
Even at a distance from each other (Washington/Travolta), they conduct a tag-team master class in old-style movie star technique, barreling through every cliché and nugget of corn the script has to offer with verve and conviction. Even when you don't really believe them, they're always a lot of fun to watch.
Full review
Roger Ebert
There's not much wrong with Tony Scott's The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, except that there's not much really right about it.
Full review
Otago Daily Times
If you can abide cringe-worthy scripts, over-the-top stunts, and "what a guy" posturing, then The Taking of Pelham 123 is probably not a bad way to disengage the brain.
Full review
Los Angeles Times
So professionally done you rarely have the luxury of taking your eyes off the screen.
Full review
Hollywood Reporter
Curiously, despite the ever-energetic Tony Scott at the throttle, the sleek new edition isn't as transporting as it should have been.
Full review
Empire Magazine
Pelham One was first class. Pelham Two stuck to the schedule. Pelham Three needs a bus pass.
Full review
Dominion Post
Pelham 123 loses all credibility in the last 20 minutes, and a twist I was waiting for never arrived, but the film is still an enjoyable waste of a few hours of your life.
Full reviewThe Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (2009) | Release Details
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (2009) is available to stream in New Zealand now on Google Play and Apple TV.