The 2009 remake of The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, starring Denzel Washington and John Travolta, updated the film to the tastes of modern audiences seeking a thrill, but in doing so they toned down the element of the original that made it so great: New York. Joseph Sargent’s engaging original, with two far better leads in Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw oozed New York from every frame with the grime of the subway cars, the indignant anger of daily commuters, and the whirling political machine of city hall. So much of Pelham One Two Three relies on the sarcasm of virtually every character coping with the hostage ransom plot and almost all of that stems from the world famous New York attitude. The Taking of Pelham One Two Three not only delivers an entertaining ride for its entire duration, but it’s a time capsule for what just might be the epitome of New York snark.
Taking hostages in a long tunnel where the only ways in or out are clearly marked should have been an insane proposition, but somehow Mr. Blue (Shaw), Mr. Green (Martin Balsam), Mr. Grey (Hector Elizondo), and Mr. Brown (Earl Hindman) managed to pull it off. Trying desperately to keep the situation from going off the rails are Lt. Zachary Garber (Matthau), of the transit authority, the mayor and his aide (Lee Wallace, Tony Roberts), and many, many others. However, these bandits remain one step ahead of everyone else, and in so doing keep their plan to secure a million dollar ransom in exchange for the lives of 18 hostages stays on track.
Matthau and Shaw keep the film centered, each with their own respective gravitas. Matthau puts his famous, reluctantly charming personality to good use as just another guy trying to get a hand on what’s really happening. Shaw, by contrast, plays it cagey and ice cold, and yet his every second on screen is wholly captivating. The film itself might drag every now and then, but it’s not the fault of Matthau or Shaw, rather a script that spreads itself across multiple characters, all of whom aren’t created equal.
Blu-ray Bonus Features
There are none.
"The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" is on sale November 22, 2011 and is rated R. Crime, Drama, Thriller. Directed by Joseph Sargent. Written by John Godey (novel), Peter Stone (screenplay). Starring Hector Elizondo, Martin Balsam, Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, Jerry Stiller.
