Iffy for 16+
Remake of '70s thriller is riveting but violent and intense.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this action-packed remake of the gritty, same-named 1970s thriller is intense and violent and not meant for young kids. The fast-paced story is accompanied by heaping doses of realistic, bloody (expect lots of gunplay ... and resulting gore spatters) and profanity (including lots of "s--t"s and "f--k"s). But on the up side, there's not much in the way of sex, product placement, or substance use/abuse.
- Families can talk about the movie's violence. Does it have more or less impact than the fights and explosions in more fantasy-based movies? How does this movie compare to other thrillers? Is it believable? Does that matter? Parents and teens who've seen the original can also discuss how this one stacks up. Why do so many movies get remade in Hollywood?
What to watch for
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Violence: Lots of very realistic threats and gunfire, with gory results. People are shot point-blank, their blood spattering everywhere.
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Sex: A young woman flashes her bra to her boyfriend via Webcam.
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Language: Lots of strong language throughout, including very frequent use of "f--k," as well as "s--t," "ass," "hell," "damn," "goddamn," "oh my God," and more.
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Suspenseful and entertaining by Pammo1949
This remake is not a remake but a new twist to a hostage theme. The movie is really good. It does a good job introducing the audience to immediate nonstop action. Denzel does a great job but John Travolta is over the top good as the villian in this movie. As a former civil servant I felt drawn to the roles of those who are part of a system they cannot control. From the mayor, the mayor's advisors, the subway train supervisors and police hostage negotiators and swat team members you realize how "useless: the system can become when "squeezed" by crisis.
You never get emotionally attached to the bad guys or good guys. You are just on a subway ride of terror (domestic). In the end I was really satisfied with the movie going experience. My knee started to jump - too much suspense and I had to calm myself down during a porttion of the movie. Go see it - it was worth the price of the ticket and throughly enjoyable if you like action films.
5
GREAT INTERACTION! by notek
EXCELLENT MOVIE THAT KEEPS YOU ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT! THE INTERACTION BETWEEN TRAVOLTA AND WASHINGTON WAS LEGEND!! TRAVOLTA DESERVES AN ACADEMY AWARD!!.
4
DENZEL YOU SLY DEVIL by blackfilmstudent
There was a point in time when I very well may have been the biggest Denzel Washington fan on the planet. He could do no wrong in my eyes and then he got type cast, playing a police officer in four consecutive roles. When I saw the trailer for this film I immediately passed judgement on it, didn't expect very much at all. BOY was I wrong.
This film was everything an action film should be. A compelling story, suspenseful and ACTION packed. There wasn't a dull moment in the film, no opportunity for a bathroom break or concessions run. This film kept me entertained from the first frame to the credits, a task not so easily accomplished.
I would definitely recommend you go see this one. Don't wait for the dvd you might want to experience this one in the theatre. It's rare that "I" the quintessential movie hopper would suggest to part with your hard earned cash but I think you will agree this film is worth it.
5
The Taking of Pelham 123, get on board for a great ride by jimjoel49
This movie is full of Oscar nominations. The writing is smart and witty, something that has been missing in movies for a long time. Denzel Washington and John Travolta both give Best actor nominations performances. James Gandolfini and John Turturro also give great performances. The full cast adds to this wonderful movie. Tony Scott direction keeps the movie on a fast pace that you hope will never end . The Cinematography by Tobias A. Schliessler and the film editing by Chris Lebenzon should both be up for an Oscar as well. This has been a year for great movies and The Taking of Pelham 123 leads the pack. A must see.
3
It's Okay... by MustBeIMAX
Denzel Washington stars as a train dispatcher who's day is turned upside down when a group of hijackers take the passengers of Pelham 123 hostage, in demand of a large sum of money. Denzel is put in a situation where he must negotiate with the mastermind of the crime, played by John Travolta. The film is suspenseful, and keeps you on the edge of your seat. However, the film's quality takes a huge drop once Denzel and Travolta meet for the first time. From then on, I was asking myself "WHAT?!?" the entire time. There's also a terrible ending that is so anti-climactic that it nearly ruins the movie. While the movie was flawed, the acting was great and it was suspenseful for the beginning. I'd give The Taking of Pelham 123 a rating of 6/10.
1
Out of touch Hollywood by terrificlee
Once again Hollywood shows us how unmainstream they are! I haven't met one person in my lifetime that uses the F-word every other word?? Couldn't sit through the whole thing got tired of the language!
5
Best movie of the year so far by behindthecamera
The Taking of Pelham 123 is great, keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time, and amazes you from Denzel Washington's portrayal of a regular New Yorker to John Travolta's ingenious and realistic criminal. Both parts are done with exceptional skill. Every time the plot changes a bit, the suspense stays, and gets better half the time. This film is also beautifully realistic; politically and action-wise. There is not a large amount of violence (all are gun involved), but the parts where there are can get pretty bloody, and are in cold-blood. The film's "New York cynicism" sets the tone, but the scene by scene views of New York at the beginning and constant F-bombs by civilians could have been set out differently. There isn't any romance in this film, which is perfect, because it was great without it, so not a date movie. The writers and director create this so well, you become emotional for Garber (Washington), and feel on Ryder's (Travolta) part also. All around amazing.
3
Decent but not the best by Matthew7734
I have to tell you i was looking forward to seeing this movie but in the end it was a decent movie with allot of action and allot of F* bombs
5
Just a great film by zurcamny
I remeber being frightened of the first film largely as a result of the pictures of the New York subway. Having recently moved to NY and now using the subway daily I did wonder what affect it would have. I'm glad to say the new film terrified me just as much as the old one but only bacause it's a great plot, extremely well acted with a dialogue that brings it all together. I know others have commented on the 'profanity' or swearing as I would call it but I just think this adds to the realism of the whole thing. No one could seriously expect that anyone in this situation would mind their language.
Washington is great as the despatcher dealing with his own gremlins, rapidly found out by Travolta but managing to give as good as he gets. Gandolphini as the mayor is a great combination of PR and humour and wonderfully believable. The action is paced without being full of electronic wizardry and everyone plays their part.
A great film and one of the best I have seen for a long time
5
You have to see it! by Johnpetibon
The Taking of Pelham 123 is really good. I enjoyed this movie from the beginning to the end. I consider it one of the top five (5) movies of 2009, so far ( of course, this is only until Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen comes out).
Anyway, if you like accion and like to laugh a bit this movie is just perfect. I mean it's a movie with John Travolta and Denzel Washington, what do you expect?