George: 'Pelham' fast, but is it good?

Hollywood Wrap with George Pennacchio

kabc

By ABC7

Saturday, June 13, 2009

LOS ANGELES Denzel Washington and John Travolta are the stars, and the man behind the scenes is director Tony Scott. Washington plays a New York City subway employee. Travolta is the ex-con with a score to settle in this remake of the 1974 classic.

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Travolta's character highjack's a subway and takes hostages, and he only wants to deal directly with Washington's character, Walter Garber. Period. He even shoots a hostage to make this point.

Travolta is really good here playing really bad. And it's great seeing Washington in a more subdued role. You'll easily connect to his everyman quality.

Despite all the tense moments, Scott makes sure to give you a reason to smile, like in a scene when Washington's character is called into action but calls home first to talk to his wife. She insists he bring home milk.

When it comes to action and thrills, this director is a master. Scott knows how to keep the energy level going and the movie moving. I do think he makes the NYPD come off a little inept, but probably only to keep the action exciting to watch.

"The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3" is good, but not great. But it'll keep you engaged from beginning to end.