Movie preview: Pelham 123

Going to a very different place, with a pace more akin to the tastes of most American fans is the remake of Pelham 123. I’ve spoken about this before [ Movie Preview: Pelham 123 and G-Force] . And yes it is a remake – there can be exceptions to any rule including my own.



Pelham 123 is a remake of the solid Walter Matthau film The Taking of Pelham 123. It stars Denzel Washington and John Travolta, the first time they have both worked together as I recall. Which jumps this into an interesting film on that basis alone.

Washington and Travolta are acclaimed actors with great reason. Both are easily capable of a diversity of characters and film genres. Yet this film is focused on a more subdued presence than anything over the top.

Washington’s character is a very normal everyday civil servant. Good at what he does and just smart enough to be too smart to move up in the ranks. Travolta’s character is a dedicated, calculating, professional that has anticipated every move. At least that’s what the original leads are supposed to be about. The movie trailer seems to convey a respect of that.

Of course the film has been adapted to match the needs of the public these days. So there is at least one big car scene involving a climatic crash. Likely as well are a few scenes of police overreaction, and bullets a plenty. But this is not a shoot ‘em up. It’s a heist film with a brain.

How true this film stays to the original is a big question. Yet I have to believe that with the star power in this film the script must be good. The tension of the film is obvious, what is not as obvious is how the interjection of comedic, and other, moments will work. Like the discussion by Washington’s characters wife insiting he brings home a gallon of milk. Is it supposed to be a funny yet dramatic way of telling him to come home? Does it break the tension, or add to it? You almost feel like you could laugh at that, but then again you understand why you won’t.

Still I am willing to take a chance on actors of this caliber, and a story of worth. The movie trailer implies a solid film, and enough of what most would like in this genre. I expect it to do well and I will probably see it as well.