MOVIE: The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3

Unfortunately many directors seem to believe that throwing together a bunch of blockbuster stars in one film will make for a great movie. There are umpteen ensemble films that can prove this wrong. Why do it then? My guess is that the story usually isn't very good, the budget is, and therefore, butts will be filling the seats. I mean, not everyone is a movie snob, like us here at Zonino! right?

The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 throws together Hollywood heavyweights John Travolta, Denzel Washington, John Turturro, Luis Guzmán, and James Gandolfini. This high-grossing testosterone-fest is probably the reason I passed on this movie when it opened five months ago.

Surprise! It's not bad! Like only true actors can, each of these gentlemen knows there role in the film and doesn't try to over-step it or outshine one of their counterparts; they seem to realize, like professionals, that they collectively make a whole.

The story is about a New York City subway train (Pelham 123) and it's passengers that is highjacked by an ex-convict (Travolta) and his cronies (one being Guzmán) for $10 million. The man on the other end of the line, MTA dispatcher Walter Garber (Washington), must step into the role of hostage negotiator, with the help of the real negotiator (Turturro) to maintain calm while the money is delivered.

Washington gives an outstanding and very timid performance as Garber, even when in the middle of the action holding a gun, his character seems shy and delicately confident. I love it when Travolta plays a psycho and he does not disappoint here. He knows just how much to pour on and when. The usually wisecracking Guzmán is also allowed to shine in a different more scared and pensive light. Gandolfini, as New York City's embattled subway-riding mayor, who plays the cocky politician with as much humanity mixed in to make you question whether you like him or not.

This is a true ensemble piece. It's not going to win any awards, but it's worth seeing!

Buzzy