The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (2009)

This remake of the 1974 film of the same name delivers unexpectedly, but ultimately adds nothing to the original. It's best described as an old car with a new paint job, but still purrs like a kitten.

Denzel Washington (American Gangster, Inside Man) takes on the character originally played by Walter Matthau, Lt. Zachary Garber (though in this version, to pay homage to Matthau, the character was renamed Walter Garber) in this over the phone face-off with a criminal mastermind directed by Tony Scott (Man on Fire, Domino). Ryder (Jon Travolta, Wild Hogs, Be Cool), along with his three accomplices, are holding a NYC subway car and all of its passengers hostage, demanding a $10mil ransom. It's up to Garber to facilitate the actions therein, keeping Ryder cool and distracted, while he himself figures it all out. Is Garber in on the whole things? How could they possible escape? Is it really all about the ransom, or is someone working a hidden angle? It just makes you wonder what's, "the going rate for a New York city hostage today?"

This movie, though good, was simply just a remake. Perhaps that is what it was meant for, and not a reinvention. If it ain't broke right? The story is your classic perfect robbery scenario, where the bad guy is the only one who really knows how he's going to get away. The dialog between Denzel and Travolta was masterful, and a real pleasure to experience. The supporting cast of Luis Guzman, John Turturro and James Gandolfini all did an impeccable job of adding to the already stellar leads. I really enjoyed seeing Turturro in a role not unlike his Sector 7, awkwardly authoritative character from Transformers... he just gets no respect.

If you haven't seen the original, go ahead and give this one a whirl, there's definitely enough to keep you entertained. Otherwise, pick up a copy of Money Train, I enjoyed it a lot more.

7.4/10

Rated: R
106 mins

Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen (2009)

This is the second installment of the fast paced, special effects intensive franchise that brings back my childhood. Marketed to children (why?), this visionary explosion is filled with adult humor and a sexy cast that brings one to question, it it "more than meets the eye?"

Shia LaBeouf (Eagle Eye, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) and Megan Fox (Jennifer's Body, How to Lose Friends and Alienate People) return, along with their amazing supporting cast (Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson & John Turturro) in this Michale Bay (Pearl harbor, The Island) directed sequel to 2007's box office bonanza, Transformers. Wouldn't you know tat the Autobots would once again need junior Witwicky by their side as they work to stop the evil Decepticonz from acquiring him and using his recently charged psyche to unlock the key to using Earth as their own personal power source. Lead by Optimus Prime, Sam and an a force of international armies battle the likes of a resurrected Megatron, as well as a long forgotten foe The Fallen, to save the Earth from utter destruction.

Too many people hated on this movie, and for a lot of good reasons. But letting one thing about a movie completely sway your contentment is childish and accomplishes nothing. Most Transformers nay-sayers will point to the story and all it's flaws. To that, I concede, but the basic plot is sound. My only personal objection to the movie on the whole was it's use of racial stereotypes regarding certain types of machines *cough* Mudflap and Skids *cough* All this did was contribute absurd dialogue that completely distracted you from what was really going on. But other than that, this movie was a success in my book. It was spectacularly over the top. Expect witty dialogue, awkward parental moments, and an eye-gasm of action... and let's not forget, Megan Fox is a babe.

7.8/10

Rated: PG-13
150 mins