list http://www.spout.com/ Recent community activity around The Taking of Pelham One Two Three on Spout Copyright 2005-9 Spout, LLC Spout RSS http://www.spout.com/images/SpoutLogoRSS.jpg http://www.spout.com/ 136 30 http://www.spout.com/films/The_Taking_of_Pelham_One_Two_Three/34019/default.aspx Title: The Taking of Pelham One Two Three
Year: 1974
Director: Joseph Sargent
Plot: On a quiet mid-day in New York, along the Lexington Avenue subway line, the train designated "Pelham One Two Three" -- so named for its station-of-origin and time of departure -- makes its way down the East Side of Manhattan. One by one, three men board the train and at 28th Street a fourth man approaches the motorman (James Broderick) and points a pistol at him, ordering him to unlock the door to his cab and admit the man waiting there; meanwhile, another man points a gun at the conductor and threatens to kill him unless he holds the doors open and then closes them when the man talking to the motorman is aboard. Once on board, "Mr. Blue" (Robert Shaw) and "Mr. Green" (Martin Balsam) halt the train between stations, while "Mr. Brown" (Earl Hindeman) and "Mr. Gray" (Hector Elizondo) seal off the lead car. With Mr. Green at the controls, the front car is separated and isolated in the tunnel with 17 passengers aboard, and then Mr. Blue presents their demands over the radio -- one million dollars in cash, within one hour, or they will start shooting one passenger each minute. On the other end, Transit Police Lieutenant Zachary Garber (Walter Matthau) must overcome his initial disbelief to deal with this threat, amid the confusion of a subway system that's chaotic even when it's running normally. With the mayor reluctantly aboard to pay the ransom, Garber must keep the hijackers from carrying out their threat while the money is transported, and keep the hotheads around him and on the police force under control -- and figure out how they intend to get away with a million dollars from inside a subway tunnel with police on all sides. ~ Bruce Eder, All Movie Guide
Times Tagged: 13
Number of Lists: 13
Number of blog posts: 7
Number of discussion threads: 7
SpoutRating: 3
]]>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:14:54 GMTThe Taking of Pelham One Two Three1974Joseph SargentOn a quiet mid-day in New York, along the Lexington Avenue subway line, the train designated "Pelham One Two Three" -- so named for its station-of-origin and time of departure -- makes its way down the East Side of Manhattan. One by one, three men board the train and at 28th Street a fourth man approaches the motorman (<a href="/players/P_____8625/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>James Broderick</a>) and points a pistol at him, ordering him to unlock the door to his cab and admit the man waiting there; meanwhile, another man points a gun at the conductor and threatens to kill him unless he holds the doors open and then closes them when the man talking to the motorman is aboard. Once on board, "Mr. Blue" (<a href="/players/P___111051/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Robert Shaw</a>) and "Mr. Green" (<a href="/players/P_____3629/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Martin Balsam</a>) halt the train between stations, while "Mr. Brown" (Earl Hindeman) and "Mr. Gray" (<a href="/players/P____21552/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Hector Elizondo</a>) seal off the lead car. With Mr. Green at the controls, the front car is separated and isolated in the tunnel with 17 passengers aboard, and then Mr. Blue presents their demands over the radio -- one million dollars in cash, within one hour, or they will start shooting one passenger each minute. On the other end, Transit Police Lieutenant Zachary Garber (<a href="/players/P____46456/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Walter Matthau</a>) must overcome his initial disbelief to deal with this threat, amid the confusion of a subway system that's chaotic even when it's running normally. With the mayor reluctantly aboard to pay the ransom, Garber must keep the hijackers from carrying out their threat while the money is transported, and keep the hotheads around him and on the police force under control -- and figure out how they intend to get away with a million dollars from inside a subway tunnel with police on all sides. ~ Bruce Eder, All Movie Guide13Tag Target (>10)13773http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t05231dwyy4.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/The_Taking_of_Pelham_One_Two_Three/34019/default.aspxFilm http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/Re_Weekly_Theme_for_February_9_Public_Transportat/625/40525/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: Risselada
Post To: Weekly Theme
Post Date: 2/18/2009 3:50:53 PM
Body: [quote user="leeroy711"] How about subways and trains? I loved Dark Days. A doc about the people that live in underground in the subway systems of NY. I also really liked a Hungarian movie called Kontroll that takes place entirely in the subways of Budapest. Hitchcock's The Lady Vanishes was about a train ride and Kurosawa's High and Low has a great scene on a train. (my beautiful wifey bought me that one for Christmas) I read he used something like 9 different camera angles to get that scene and in such a small space it was quite an accomplishment.[/quote] Well the two films I immediatly thought about with this are subway movies. The Taking of Pelham One Two Three and Dutchman. I'm really surprised that no one mentioned the former. It's one of my favorite movies!! And pretty well known I thought. It's focused on all ends of the public transit system, and a great thriller. And many times hilarious too. Dutchman is based on a play. It's basically a filmed play that takes place entirely within a subway car. And there are only two speaking roles. Pretty good if you are interested in that kind of thing. Lots of stuff about racism and sexism.
]]>Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:50:53 GMTRisseladaWeekly Theme2/18/2009 3:50:53 PM[quote user="leeroy711"] How about subways and trains? I loved Dark Days. A doc about the people that live in underground in the subway systems of NY. I also really liked a Hungarian movie called Kontroll that takes place entirely in the subways of Budapest. Hitchcock's The Lady Vanishes was about a train ride and Kurosawa's High and Low has a great scene on a train. (my beautiful wifey bought me that one for Christmas) I read he used something like 9 different camera angles to get that scene and in such a small space it was quite an accomplishment.[/quote] Well the two films I immediatly thought about with this are subway movies. The Taking of Pelham One Two Three and Dutchman. I'm really surprised that no one mentioned the former. It's one of my favorite movies!! And pretty well known I thought. It's focused on all ends of the public transit system, and a great thriller. And many times hilarious too. Dutchman is based on a play. It's basically a filmed play that takes place entirely within a subway car. And there are only two speaking roles. Pretty good if you are interested in that kind of thing. Lots of stuff about racism and sexism. http://www.spout.com/blogs/mconrad3/archive/2009/2/15/40475.aspx Post By: mconrad3
Post To: mconrad3 Blog
Post Date: 2/15/2009 7:33:53 PM
Body: I'm not really sure why they're remaking this film. I like most of Tony Scott's stuff, but I don't know what else can be brought to the table after watching this version of The Taking of Pelham One Two Three. Filled with dark humor and New York cynicism, it definitely speaks of the urban climate in the seventies, but also of the attitude most New Yorkers have on a daily basis to this day. I'm also a bit of a trainspotter, so anything dealing with trains/subways I always have a vested interest in. The flick has a brilliant cast from Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw to even Jerry Stiller. More than anything its fun to see these guys as they were more than thirty years ago before Jaws even came out. The choice of giving some of these roles to comedians definitely helped in adding the grim humor to the entire situation. Couple that with the soundtrack and it's a film that screams the seventies. It matches the kind of style everybody was used to during the first half of that decade and paints an interesting picture to future generations (moi) looking back. The Taking of Pelham One Two Three is a pretty simple heist film with the twist of it being on the subway. The good guys win, the bad guys get killed, and a few hostages get popped along the way. But what is interesting is that "along the way" part. Seeing how people react to this insane situation and how they get from A to B to C. Its what makes the story worth watching, and if you're as deranged as me you'll even get a few laughs out of it.
]]>Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:33:53 GMTmconrad3mconrad3 Blog2/15/2009 7:33:53 PMI'm not really sure why they're remaking this film. I like most of Tony Scott's stuff, but I don't know what else can be brought to the table after watching this version of The Taking of Pelham One Two Three. Filled with dark humor and New York cynicism, it definitely speaks of the urban climate in the seventies, but also of the attitude most New Yorkers have on a daily basis to this day. I'm also a bit of a trainspotter, so anything dealing with trains/subways I always have a vested interest in. The flick has a brilliant cast from Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw to even Jerry Stiller. More than anything its fun to see these guys as they were more than thirty years ago before Jaws even came out. The choice of giving some of these roles to comedians definitely helped in adding the grim humor to the entire situation. Couple that with the soundtrack and it's a film that screams the seventies. It matches the kind of style everybody was used to during the first half of that decade and paints an interesting picture to future generations (moi) looking back. The Taking of Pelham One Two Three is a pretty simple heist film with the twist of it being on the subway. The good guys win, the bad guys get killed, and a few hostages get popped along the way. But what is interesting is that "along the way" part. Seeing how people react to this insane situation and how they get from A to B to C. Its what makes the story worth watching, and if you're as deranged as me you'll even get a few laughs out of it. http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/Re_Weekly_Theme_for_October_13_Just_One_Day/625/36297/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: Risselada
Post To: Weekly Theme
Post Date: 10/14/2008 2:55:59 PM
Body: The Taking of Pelham One Two Three - one of the best action/thriller/comedy movies ever made. A lot of it takes place in almost real time. 12 Angry Men - another one that's almost in real time, so certainly within a day. Magnolia - the EPIC of one day films. Clerks. - he was supposed to have that day off High Noon - also almost real time Kids - I think this was just one day. It feels like it. Rope - real time My Dinner with Andre - real time Most movies based on classical theater will take place within 24 hours since this was one of the ancient restriction of good theatre. Time, space, and subject were all supposed to be remain the same. More Linklater films - Before Sunrise / Before Sunset / Slacker These come up under one night I think Night of the Living Dead Goonies Die Hard Escape from New York Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle
]]>Tue, 14 Oct 2008 18:55:59 GMTRisseladaWeekly Theme10/14/2008 2:55:59 PMThe Taking of Pelham One Two Three - one of the best action/thriller/comedy movies ever made. A lot of it takes place in almost real time. 12 Angry Men - another one that's almost in real time, so certainly within a day. Magnolia - the EPIC of one day films. Clerks. - he was supposed to have that day off High Noon - also almost real time Kids - I think this was just one day. It feels like it. Rope - real time My Dinner with Andre - real time Most movies based on classical theater will take place within 24 hours since this was one of the ancient restriction of good theatre. Time, space, and subject were all supposed to be remain the same. More Linklater films - Before Sunrise / Before Sunset / Slacker These come up under one night I think Night of the Living Dead Goonies Die Hard Escape from New York Harold &amp; Kumar Go to White Castle http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/Re_Weekly_Theme_for_September_8_The_Heist/625/34939/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: Risselada
Post To: Weekly Theme
Post Date: 9/9/2008 1:37:53 PM
Body: For some good heists gone awry you can't forget White Heat. And even better The Killing! Also an inspiration for Reservoir Dogs. And Sexy Beast is just good fun as well. I'm not sure if you would consider The Taking of Pelham One Two Three a heist film, or more of an elaborate ransom/getaway situation. But it has the same excitement as a heist film, and is one of the best.
]]>Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:37:53 GMTRisseladaWeekly Theme9/9/2008 1:37:53 PMFor some good heists gone awry you can't forget White Heat. And even better The Killing! Also an inspiration for Reservoir Dogs. And Sexy Beast is just good fun as well. I'm not sure if you would consider The Taking of Pelham One Two Three a heist film, or more of an elaborate ransom/getaway situation. But it has the same excitement as a heist film, and is one of the best. http://www.spout.com/blogs/chrismorrell/archive/2008/6/14/31235.aspx Post By: chrismorrell
Post To: chrismorrell Blog
Post Date: 6/14/2008 7:29:58 PM
Body: Why remake this? It's a total classic...It's been on T.V. many times,showed conclusively that Walter Matthau had a broader range than just comedy,although he does bring levity to the piece. Tarantino ripped-off the colours as names thing, Robert Shaw is trulling chilling as the ruthless Mr Blue,next to Jaws it's one of his most memorable roles.This is dark,and humorous in varying doses and i really dont see how it could be improved upon. The last thing we need,for instance is an "up-dating" to include the whole "War on Terror",post 9/11 Scenario... Don't go to see it..get this on DVD,it's probably in the bargain bin!
]]>Sat, 14 Jun 2008 23:29:58 GMTchrismorrellchrismorrell Blog6/14/2008 7:29:58 PM Why remake this? It's a total classic...It's been on T.V. many times,showed conclusively that Walter Matthau had a broader range than just comedy,although he does bring levity to the piece. Tarantino ripped-off the colours as names thing, Robert Shaw is trulling chilling as the ruthless Mr Blue,next to Jaws it's one of his most memorable roles.This is dark,and humorous in varying doses and i really dont see how it could be improved upon. The last thing we need,for instance is an "up-dating" to include the whole "War on Terror",post 9/11 Scenario... Don't go to see it..get this on DVD,it's probably in the bargain bin! http://www.spout.com/blogs/karina/archive/2008/3/24/26556.aspx Post By: Karina
Post To: Karina on SpoutBlog
Post Date: 3/24/2008 10:01:07 AM
Body: Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns made $20 million this weekend, which wasn’t enough to beat Horton Hears a Who at the box office.  Drillbit Taylor opened with just $10 million; Variety vaguely says it’s “the second lowest” opening for Owen Wilson after The Big Bounce, but that statistic must exclude every Wes Anderson film and anything else that’s opened in platform release. Speaking of platform releases, The Weinstein Company has finally has a successful one to speak of: Under the Same Moon broke the record for the biggest opening of a Spanish-language film in the U.S. this weekend with $2.6 million on 266 screens. James Gandolfini will play the mayor of New York City in that remake of The Taking of Pelham 123.  The film hasn’t been shot yet, and it’ll still probably hit theaters before what was suppossed to Gandolfini’s first post-Sopranos project, Where the Wild Things Are. Regal Cinemas is looking to double its number of IMAX screens over the next two years, via a deal where the theater chain and the giant screen guys share both the cost of the expansion, and the resulting profits. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog » karina
]]>Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:01:07 GMTKarinaKarina on SpoutBlog3/24/2008 10:01:07 AM Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns made $20 million this weekend, which wasn’t enough to beat Horton Hears a Who at the box office.  Drillbit Taylor opened with just $10 million; Variety vaguely says it’s “the second lowest” opening for Owen Wilson after The Big Bounce, but that statistic must exclude every Wes Anderson film and anything else that’s opened in platform release. Speaking of platform releases, The Weinstein Company has finally has a successful one to speak of: Under the Same Moon broke the record for the biggest opening of a Spanish-language film in the U.S. this weekend with $2.6 million on 266 screens. James Gandolfini will play the mayor of New York City in that remake of The Taking of Pelham 123.  The film hasn’t been shot yet, and it’ll still probably hit theaters before what was suppossed to Gandolfini’s first post-Sopranos project, Where the Wild Things Are. Regal Cinemas is looking to double its number of IMAX screens over the next two years, via a deal where the theater chain and the giant screen guys share both the cost of the expansion, and the resulting profits. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog » karina http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/archive/2008/3/24/26555.aspx Post By: SpoutBlog
Post To: SpoutBlog on spout.com
Post Date: 3/24/2008 10:00:57 AM
Body: Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns made $20 million this weekend, which wasn’t enough to beat Horton Hears a Who at the box office.  Drillbit Taylor opened with just $10 million; Variety vaguely says it’s “the second lowest” opening for Owen Wilson after The Big Bounce, but that statistic must exclude every Wes Anderson film and anything else that’s opened in platform release. Speaking of platform releases, The Weinstein Company has finally has a successful one to speak of: Under the Same Moon broke the record for the biggest opening of a Spanish-language film in the U.S. this weekend with $2.6 million on 266 screens. James Gandolfini will play the mayor of New York City in that remake of The Taking of Pelham 123.  The film hasn’t been shot yet, and it’ll still probably hit theaters before what was suppossed to Gandolfini’s first post-Sopranos project, Where the Wild Things Are. Regal Cinemas is looking to double its number of IMAX screens over the next two years, via a deal where the theater chain and the giant screen guys share both the cost of the expansion, and the resulting profits. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog
]]>Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:00:57 GMTSpoutBlogSpoutBlog on spout.com3/24/2008 10:00:57 AM Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns made $20 million this weekend, which wasn’t enough to beat Horton Hears a Who at the box office.  Drillbit Taylor opened with just $10 million; Variety vaguely says it’s “the second lowest” opening for Owen Wilson after The Big Bounce, but that statistic must exclude every Wes Anderson film and anything else that’s opened in platform release. Speaking of platform releases, The Weinstein Company has finally has a successful one to speak of: Under the Same Moon broke the record for the biggest opening of a Spanish-language film in the U.S. this weekend with $2.6 million on 266 screens. James Gandolfini will play the mayor of New York City in that remake of The Taking of Pelham 123.  The film hasn’t been shot yet, and it’ll still probably hit theaters before what was suppossed to Gandolfini’s first post-Sopranos project, Where the Wild Things Are. Regal Cinemas is looking to double its number of IMAX screens over the next two years, via a deal where the theater chain and the giant screen guys share both the cost of the expansion, and the resulting profits. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog http://www.spout.com/groups/Top_5/Re_Best_Heist_films_and_also_the_best_heist_films/190/24632/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: Jymkata
Post To: Top 5
Post Date: 2/1/2008 11:01:51 PM
Body: There are a lot of movies that I love that have heists in them but they are usually a means to an end and the bulk of the film usually deals with the fallout of said heist. Straight up heist films I love are : Jean Pierre Melville's stylish and masterful Le Cercle Rouge and Un Flic. The Hot Rock and The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (good call, Rizzo) are two of my favorite seventies Heist movies. One Heist film I just love is The Great Train Robbery - there is one perfectly choreographed scene that involves a lanky Donald Sutherland (he was so awesome in these quirky roles) and an impossible-to-get key that is a site to behold. Just recently I saw The Brinks Job and The Day They Robbed The Bank of England on TCM and I liked them both (but i do like Peter Falk and Aldo Rey respectively so that might have something to do with it). Finally, even though it is not a heist film I love what DePalma did in Mission Impossible with Tom Cruise's famous spy scenes. DePalma always could set a scene with the best of them. All the others have already been metioned previously and I concur with Riffifi ( great movie-making and that umbrella trick is great), The Usual Suspects (but again, it seems like it more revolves around the aftermath), Heat always gets my blood stiring, and Point Break ( the robbery scenes were kind of new for back then and had a nice edge - plus, that movie has one of the BEST foot chases ever) and Inside Man was pretty stylish ( and anything that gets Denzel and Chiwetel Ejiofor onscreen together gets my vote). One of my favorite comedies that revolves around a heist is Quick Change - Bill Murray cracked me up and this exchange brings tears to my eyes when I watch the movie - classic Murray:Grimm: [sobbing] The man is an animal! Ripping out phones, urinating on desks... you see what he did to Ms. Cochran's shirt? There's a scratch here, I mean, it's not deep, but... it's there. Phyllis: It's okay. Chief Rotzinger: Did he hurt anybody else? Is the strain beginning to show on him? Grimm: "If I could sleep ten days and nights in a rice paddy, I could certainly last in this lousy bank." This is what the animal said to us! He says to Ms. Cochran here: [makes humping motions at Phyllis] Grimm: "Baby! Up your butt with a coconut!" I think he was prepared to do it! Except I saw no coconut. He, uh, he had no coconut to my knowledge.
]]>Sat, 02 Feb 2008 04:01:51 GMTJymkataTop 52/1/2008 11:01:51 PMThere are a lot of movies that I love that have heists in them but they are usually a means to an end and the bulk of the film usually deals with the fallout of said heist. Straight up heist films I love are : Jean Pierre Melville&#39;s stylish and masterful Le Cercle Rouge and Un Flic. The Hot Rock and The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (good call, Rizzo) are two of my favorite seventies Heist movies. One Heist film I just love is The Great Train Robbery - there is one perfectly choreographed scene that involves a lanky Donald Sutherland (he was so awesome in these quirky roles) and an impossible-to-get key that is a site to behold. Just recently I saw The Brinks Job and The Day They Robbed The Bank of England on TCM and I liked them both (but i do like Peter Falk and Aldo Rey respectively so that might have something to do with it). Finally, even though it is not a heist film I love what DePalma did in Mission Impossible with Tom Cruise&#39;s famous spy scenes. DePalma always could set a scene with the best of them. All the others have already been metioned previously and I concur with Riffifi ( great movie-making and that umbrella trick is great), The Usual Suspects (but again, it seems like it more revolves around the aftermath), Heat always gets my blood stiring, and Point Break ( the robbery scenes were kind of new for back then and had a nice edge - plus, that movie has one of the BEST foot chases ever) and Inside Man was pretty stylish ( and anything that gets Denzel and Chiwetel Ejiofor onscreen together gets my vote). One of my favorite comedies that revolves around a heist is Quick Change - Bill Murray cracked me up and this exchange brings tears to my eyes when I watch the movie - classic Murray:Grimm: [sobbing] The man is an animal! Ripping out phones, urinating on desks... you see what he did to Ms. Cochran&#39;s shirt? There&#39;s a scratch here, I mean, it&#39;s not deep, but... it&#39;s there. Phyllis: It&#39;s okay. Chief Rotzinger: Did he hurt anybody else? Is the strain beginning to show on him? Grimm: "If I could sleep ten days and nights in a rice paddy, I could certainly last in this lousy bank." This is what the animal said to us! He says to Ms. Cochran here: [makes humping motions at Phyllis] Grimm: "Baby! Up your butt with a coconut!" I think he was prepared to do it! Except I saw no coconut. He, uh, he had no coconut to my knowledge. http://www.spout.com/blogs/jakestevens/archive/2007/12/16/22881.aspx Post By: JakeStevens
Post To: JakeStevens Blog
Post Date: 12/16/2007 4:07:39 PM
Body: Joseph Sargent succinctly displays New York's unforgiving harshness in this action-packed hostage film. At face value, it seems preposterous that you could take a subway train hostage and get away with it, but through the machinations of the script, it keeps you on the edge of your seat while Matthau's performance is in turns comedic and serious. It's interesting to see a film that Tarantino has so copiously taken from, not only in lifting the names of his villains in Reservoir Dogs from this film, but also the saltiness of the language spoken by all those involved. There is nothing I found fault with in this film; the cinematography, script, editing - all great. Check it out!
]]>Sun, 16 Dec 2007 21:07:39 GMTJakeStevensJakeStevens Blog12/16/2007 4:07:39 PMJoseph Sargent succinctly displays New York&#39;s unforgiving harshness in this action-packed hostage film. At face value, it seems preposterous that you could take a subway train hostage and get away with it, but through the machinations of the script, it keeps you on the edge of your seat while Matthau&#39;s performance is in turns comedic and serious. It&#39;s interesting to see a film that Tarantino has so copiously taken from, not only in lifting the names of his villains in Reservoir Dogs from this film, but also the saltiness of the language spoken by all those involved. There is nothing I found fault with in this film; the cinematography, script, editing - all great. Check it out! http://www.spout.com/blogs/risselada/archive/2007/10/31/21324.aspx Post By: Risselada
Post To: Risselada Blog
Post Date: 10/31/2007 4:29:30 PM
Body: This blog entry is part of my “movie year countdown”. To read more about that check out my first Spout filmblog entry.The Taking of Pelham One Two ThreeThis movie is just fucking awesome!Everything about it makes it the perfect action/thriller movie. Well it's not strictly an action movie, but the pacing definitely feels like one. It's very tight and exciting from the very moment it begins to the end. It's hard to make a movie like that where the excitement feels real and not manufactured. The film achieves this by keeping a lot of mystery and revealing bits at a time. It also has a lot of humor and charm.One thing I noticed as a motif in this movie was situations was the ways in which people are stereotyped. Someone would get information about one person and make all kinds of incorrect assumptions about them. Here's a few examples. When Garber finally meets Inspector Daniels and you can tell he didn't expect him to be black. People kept speculating about whether all the cop on the train might be a woman and if a woman would be capable of action. There's absolutely no evidence one way or another but people get so obsessed by the idea. And then when Garber finally goes up to the male cop who was on the train, he can only see him face down, but because he has long hair he calls him "Mam". There is also the situation where the Japanese officials from the Tokyo transit system they assume can't understand English because they never respond in English and act naturally very Japanese. But they are embarrassed when they talk crap about them and realize they understood the whole time. There is also the situation of all of the assumptions that they make when trying to track down the perpetrator. I wish I would have written them down but there are many more examples. For some reason this motif made the movie just seem even more full. It didn't seem forced or cliché and it pushed the script into perfection.Seriously this movie is tight. All the roles are written and cast perfectly.The woman who sleeps through the whole ordeal on the subway just kills me too. See, I love when movies play with this kind of seriousness and hilarity simultaneously. But it's a difficult thing to pull off. The funny has to be brilliant and the seriously has to be intense.But oooooh NO NO NO NO NO! Doing research for this review I have realized that Tony Scott is going to be remaking this wonderful movie!! Well it was based on a novel, so maybe technically he is doing a new adaptation rather than a remake, but what is the point when it has already been done so perfectly. And look who is going to be cast. John Travolta and Denzel Washington!! NO NO. This does not bode well. How can Denzel play Gerber and still have the moment where he is surprised the police inspector is black! Well maybe you could say that it just wouldn't happen these days. Well in that case maybe this movie is really about the early 70's. Heck if they are going to make it for current times aren't many of the procedures for the subway going to be totally different? I read on wikipedia (so it may be dubious) that the system for naming trains is different now anyways so the title shouldn't even be called Pelham One Two Three. Anyways they could always update everything for the current day and age, but I'm not sure if I trust this team of filmmakers. Apparently he is also remaking The Warriors too! WTF! Fuck, why did my review of such an awesome movie have to turn into this tangent of ill foreboding?Rating: 10/10
]]>Wed, 31 Oct 2007 20:29:30 GMTRisseladaRisselada Blog10/31/2007 4:29:30 PMThis blog entry is part of my &ldquo;movie year countdown&rdquo;. To read more about that check out my first Spout filmblog entry.The Taking of Pelham One Two ThreeThis movie is just fucking awesome!Everything about it makes it the perfect action/thriller movie. Well it&#39;s not strictly an action movie, but the pacing definitely feels like one. It&#39;s very tight and exciting from the very moment it begins to the end. It&#39;s hard to make a movie like that where the excitement feels real and not manufactured. The film achieves this by keeping a lot of mystery and revealing bits at a time. It also has a lot of humor and charm.One thing I noticed as a motif in this movie was situations was the ways in which people are stereotyped. Someone would get information about one person and make all kinds of incorrect assumptions about them. Here&#39;s a few examples. When Garber finally meets Inspector Daniels and you can tell he didn&#39;t expect him to be black. People kept speculating about whether all the cop on the train might be a woman and if a woman would be capable of action. There&#39;s absolutely no evidence one way or another but people get so obsessed by the idea. And then when Garber finally goes up to the male cop who was on the train, he can only see him face down, but because he has long hair he calls him &quot;Mam&quot;. There is also the situation where the Japanese officials from the Tokyo transit system they assume can&#39;t understand English because they never respond in English and act naturally very Japanese. But they are embarrassed when they talk crap about them and realize they understood the whole time. There is also the situation of all of the assumptions that they make when trying to track down the perpetrator. I wish I would have written them down but there are many more examples. For some reason this motif made the movie just seem even more full. It didn&#39;t seem forced or clich&eacute; and it pushed the script into perfection.Seriously this movie is tight. All the roles are written and cast perfectly.The woman who sleeps through the whole ordeal on the subway just kills me too. See, I love when movies play with this kind of seriousness and hilarity simultaneously. But it&#39;s a difficult thing to pull off. The funny has to be brilliant and the seriously has to be intense.But oooooh NO NO NO NO NO! Doing research for this review I have realized that Tony Scott is going to be remaking this wonderful movie!! Well it was based on a novel, so maybe technically he is doing a new adaptation rather than a remake, but what is the point when it has already been done so perfectly. And look who is going to be cast. John Travolta and Denzel Washington!! NO NO. This does not bode well. How can Denzel play Gerber and still have the moment where he is surprised the police inspector is black! Well maybe you could say that it just wouldn&#39;t happen these days. Well in that case maybe this movie is really about the early 70&#39;s. Heck if they are going to make it for current times aren&#39;t many of the procedures for the subway going to be totally different? I read on wikipedia (so it may be dubious) that the system for naming trains is different now anyways so the title shouldn&#39;t even be called Pelham One Two Three. Anyways they could always update everything for the current day and age, but I&#39;m not sure if I trust this team of filmmakers. Apparently he is also remaking The Warriors too! WTF! Fuck, why did my review of such an awesome movie have to turn into this tangent of ill foreboding?Rating: 10/10 http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/action/MemberTagFilms.aspxaction
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