Preview: The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (2009)

Synopsis:

The third adaptation of Morton Freedgood's novel (written under the pseudonym John Godey) of the same name, the film is about hijackers who take control of a subway train car and hold its passengers hostage while negotiating with the dispatcher for the money.

• Poster: C-

Review:

The choice of colors is mystifying. The placement of the actors at the top of the poster serves to show that they have to rely on the names to sell the picture instead of the imagery or the plot. The positioning and design of the subway car in the poster, however, gives it some distinctiveness and intrigue, but not enough to offset generic quality of the top half and the motion trail silliness of the title.

• Trailer: C-; C

Review:

I've never seen the original, but I'm sure it was a lot more interesting than what is on display in this trailer. The film looks abundantly dismal, built on hijacking cliches developed over the last twenty or thirty years (probably even inspired in part by the original theatrical motion picture). Denzel Washington looks decent enough, but the material doesn't support his talents. John Travolta, on the other hand, could have better material and still not be much good. Here, his facial expressions are not supported by his vocal intonations, which makes for a wholly unconvicing performance sight unseen.

Much more interesting than the first trailer, it still doesn't do a lot to convince me this isn't much more than your typical action remake with Denzel Washington delivering the same old tired performance and John Travolta seeming like he's trying to stretch farther than he may ultimately be able to.

Oscar Prospects:

Thank goodness this film is aiming for the box office instead of the Oscars because I'd hate to have to consider this film for anything. However, looking at the trailer, I think I'm safe in saying that it's not going to be a factor at the Oscars.

Release Date:

• June 12, 2009

Full Review Synopsis:

I have not seen this film.

-Wesley Lovell (February 15, 2009) Original

-Wesley Lovell (April 19, 2009) New Trailer