MOVIE REVIEW - Pelham 123

Wanted: A good, solid well done summer thriller, that's not computer generated and that movie goers of all adult ages will love. We've got one with Pelham 123. It's a remake of a 1973 movie, but most don't known that, and no one will care. They didn't remake Gone With The Wind here, and this version will be the one that stands the test of time.

John Travolta is Ryder. Ryder is a modern day terrorist in New York City. He hijacks the subway train Pelham 123, and demands 10 million in ransom, or he'll start killing a hostage a minute after his hour long deadline. Denzel Washington is Garber. He is the MTA employee who has communication with Ryder during the standoff. Both men have questionable pasts. As the negotiations drag on, will Garber be able to reach Ryder and save the day? That's the basic plot of Pelham 123.

But it's so much more than that. This movie has a terrific story line, and a real strong supporting cast. John Turturro, and James Gandolfini lead the list. This is more than a police shoot-em-up movie. It goes deep into the main characters past, and present. You get a sense that you know what makes these two principles tick. You find yourself wanting to go faster to find out what the next twist is. And this movie doesn't make the fatal flaw. It remains true, and doesn't get silly or loose it's focus. It's just two guys. No superpowers, no real experience at what they're doing. Both just trying to survive this nightmare. It stay firmly on track (excuse the pun.)

What a great reminder too,.on what a great actor Washington really is. He is fantastic as Garber. He does a whole lot, with the every man he is playing. Garber is complicated, and simplistic at the same time. Is he who he says he is? Or is he more than that? All performances are solid here, including Travolta as the maniacal Ryder. But from my seat, this is Washington's movie.

Pelham 123.....not to be missed. In a summer of animated, actiony, superhero movies, finally a real lesson is first class storytelling. Plus two of Hollywood's superstars acting super.

This movie is just terrific!