Critic Reviews

Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) Rank 3 Reviews

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Movie critics combined give Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) a score of 2.2662 out of 4
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Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 3.25 out of 4 stars for Reeling ReviewsReeling Reviews
By way of comparison, the 1974 film shows New York at its grittiest. The new version shows the city in a much better light. I give it a B+. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Reeling Reviews
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 3.25 out of 4 stars for Hollywood.comHollywood.com
A solidly crafted suspense thriller set on a subway train proves the perfect vehicle for two stars at the top of their game. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Hollywood.com
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 3.25 out of 4 stars for Orlando WeeklyOrlando Weekly
Updated for 2009, this enthralling subway heist thriller grabs you and never lets go. It's all about greed and money. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Orlando Weekly
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 3.25 out of 4 stars for Cinema SignalsCinema Signals
The essential intelligence of the screenplay and two masterful performances at the film's center engage us with the thrill of a magnetic psychological contest. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Cinema Signals
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 3.25 out of 4 stars for Entertainment WeeklyEntertainment Weekly
An open-hydrant whoooosh of an action thriller about a hijacked NYC subway train with passengers held as hostages -- a caffeinated update of a 1974 city-on-fire cult classic that cracked wise with a cynical, now nostalgia-inducing, graffiti-era veracity. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Entertainment Weekly
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 3.25 out of 4 stars for NY Daily NewsNY Daily News
Director Tony Scott's strength is in hustle, bustle and jangling nerves. "Pelham 1 2 3" is the perfect vehicle for that. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at NY Daily News
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 3.20 out of 4 stars for Daily Mirror [UK] (David Edwards)Daily Mirror [UK] (David Edwards)
Tony Scott has made a film that, for sheer fun and breathless tension, leaves the summer's other actioners parked in the sidings. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Daily Mirror [UK] (David Edwards)
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 3.00 out of 4 stars for About.comAbout.com
It's entertaining enough to make it worth checking out but ultimately forgettable, unlike Scott and Washington's previous collaborations. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at About.com
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 3.00 out of 4 stars for Fort Worth Star-TelegramFort Worth Star-Telegram
I can think of worse ways to while away a hot, sticky summer afternoon than ducking into the air-conditioned comfort of the multiplex for a couple of hours worth of jacked-up, seat-rattling, subway-heisting action. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 3.00 out of 4 stars for The Detroit NewsThe Detroit News
As good as it is, "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3" doesn't try to be anything beyond what it is, a crackling good, live-wire tension contest between two well-carved characters. And as such, it rocks. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at The Detroit News
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 3.00 out of 4 stars for Seattle TimesSeattle Times
Some contemporary touches add to the tension, such as a subway rider's Webcam, which turns out to be a crucial view into the train for the negotiators. Ultimately, though, this thriller feels smart and efficient yet often grimly mechanical. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Seattle Times
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 3.00 out of 4 stars for San Francisco ChronicleSan Francisco Chronicle
"Pelham" might even be cause for enthusiasm if there weren't a better movie, with that exact same title, already available everywhere. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at San Francisco Chronicle
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 3.00 out of 4 stars for New York PostNew York Post
But, like I said, try to forget the original. There aren't many movies that take place in NYC subways, and the lavishly produced "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3" is the most entertaining we've had in a long while. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at New York Post
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 3.00 out of 4 stars for Minneapolis Star TribuneMinneapolis Star Tribune
His alarming Fu Manchu mustache and neck tattoo make him look like a Village People leather daddy. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Minneapolis Star Tribune
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 3.00 out of 4 stars for Aisle SeatAisle Seat
On the whole, I was entertained by The Taking of Pelham 123. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Aisle Seat
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 3.00 out of 4 stars for Critic's NotebookCritic's Notebook
Fortunately, Mr. Travolta imbues Ryder with levels of gleeful derangement that make him terrifyingly unpredictable, and Mr. Washington adds a convincing touch of insecurity to his slick persona. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Critic's Notebook
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 3.00 out of 4 stars for Black CollegianBlack Collegian
Nonetheless, Washington and Travolta are both still at the top of their games, and prove to be worthy adversaries. So, the roller coaster ride they take you on is as riveting as it is ridiculous upon closer inspection. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Black Collegian
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 3.00 out of 4 stars for Carolina WeeklyCarolina Weekly
"Pelham" stays streamlined and focused until its conclusion, when Scott opts for action over suspense. I prefer the subtleties of the original ending. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Carolina Weekly
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 3.00 out of 4 stars for Times-Picayune (Mike Scott)Times-Picayune (Mike Scott)
Director Tony Scott pushes all the right buttons, crafting a worthy -- and in many ways, a superior -- update. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Times-Picayune (Mike Scott)
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 3.00 out of 4 stars for Christianity Today (Alissa Wilkinson)Christianity Today (Alissa Wilkinson)
Ultimately, the film reminds us that human life is precious and worth preserving%u2014and all in a smart summer blockbuster. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Christianity Today (Alissa Wilkinson)
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 3.00 out of 4 stars for Flick FilosopherFlick Filosopher
[A] rollicking tale that unspools in urgent real time... and is jam-packed with literally breathtaking action. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Flick Filosopher
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 3.00 out of 4 stars for USA TODAYUSA TODAY
Pelham plays out as a taut and well-paced thriller until the final act, which grows increasingly implausible. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at USA TODAY
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 3.00 out of 4 stars for ReelViewsReelViews
The Taking of Pelham 123 will find that the tune is familiar but many of the beats are different. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at ReelViews
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 3.00 out of 4 stars for CompuserveCompuserve
Travolta is terrific in this sharper, wittier, thoroughly contemporary revisit to the New York subway train derailed by a intelligent but psychotic criminal. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Compuserve
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 3.00 out of 4 stars for VarietyVariety
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 is an efficiently reworked version of a tense, ticking-clock suspense story. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Variety
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.80 out of 4 stars for New York Times (A.O. Scott)New York Times (A.O. Scott)
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, an energetic updating of the 1974 mass transit thriller, takes account of how much the character of New York has changed. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at New York Times (A.O. Scott)
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.80 out of 4 stars for Boxoffice Magazine (John P. McCarthy)Boxoffice Magazine (John P. McCarthy)
You can always count on a Scott, in this case Ridley's little bro Tony, to jangle your nerves. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Boxoffice Magazine (John P. McCarthy)
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.75 out of 4 stars for Tony MedleyTony Medley
Compared with most of the rubbish that's been put out this year, this at least held my interest most of the time. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Tony Medley
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.75 out of 4 stars for EmanuelLevy.comEmanuelLevy.com
What elevates the film considerably is the terrific ensemble of actors, both lead and supporting. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at EmanuelLevy.com
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.75 out of 4 stars for CHUDCHUD
Special note must be made of the gayness of Travolta's character. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at CHUD
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.75 out of 4 stars for ReviewExpress.comReviewExpress.com
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 is made more enjoyable by its capable lead cast. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at ReviewExpress.com
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.75 out of 4 stars for Christian Science MonitorChristian Science Monitor
The 1974 "Pelham" came out at a time when New York City was a big scary deal onscreen. Films such as "Serpico," "Dog Day Afternoon," and "The French Connection" really ramped up the urban gothic grunge. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Christian Science Monitor
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.75 out of 4 stars for Los Angeles TimesLos Angeles Times
It almost goes without saying that "Pelham" has its problems, including some clunky plot elements and a phenomenal amount of coincidence. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Los Angeles Times
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.75 out of 4 stars for Metromix.comMetromix.com
This sturdy example of straightforward action filmmaking wouldn't merit much interest if not for the acting match-up at its center. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Metromix.com
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.60 out of 4 stars for BET.com (Clay Cane)BET.com (Clay Cane)
A good movie, but don't expect the best thriller of the summer in a flick that's sometimes as eventful as getting stuck between 34th and 42nd Streets on the A train in NYC. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at BET.com (Clay Cane)
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.60 out of 4 stars for Spectrum (St. George, Utah) (Bruce Bennett)Spectrum (St. George, Utah) (Bruce Bennett)
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.50 out of 4 stars for Salt Lake Tribune (Sean Means)Salt Lake Tribune (Sean Means)
There's a serviceable thriller somewhere in this remake of the 1974 drama. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Salt Lake Tribune (Sean Means)
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.50 out of 4 stars for Orlando SentinelOrlando Sentinel
It's a movie that gives you little to ponder and one that's more easily quoted than felt. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Orlando Sentinel
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.50 out of 4 stars for What Would Toto Watch? (Christian Toto)What Would Toto Watch? (Christian Toto)
Star chemistry, not director Tony Scott's overheated style, saves The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 from being yet another tired remake. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at What Would Toto Watch? (Christian Toto)
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.50 out of 4 stars for Comingsoon.netComingsoon.net
May not be as exciting as some may hope for what is essentially a summer popcorn flick. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Comingsoon.net
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.50 out of 4 stars for Q Network Film Desk (James Kendrick)Q Network Film Desk (James Kendrick)
Because of Scott's reliably indiscriminant overdirection, the film only works in fits and starts ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Q Network Film Desk (James Kendrick)
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.50 out of 4 stars for Arizona RepublicArizona Republic
There's fun to be had in Pelham, at least for a while, but nothing more than that. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Arizona Republic
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.50 out of 4 stars for Philadelphia Daily NewsPhiladelphia Daily News
As Ryder's motives begin to reveal themselves, The Taking of Pelham 123 loses its aura of post-9/11 dread, replaced by a muddled commentary on Wall Street greed in these days of raging financial crises. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Philadelphia Daily News
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.50 out of 4 stars for Chicago Sun-TimesChicago Sun-Times
There's not much wrong with Tony Scott's The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, except that there's not much really right about it. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Chicago Sun-Times
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.50 out of 4 stars for ilinoistimes.comilinoistimes.com
Just be prepared to have your intelligence insulted in the last half hour. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at ilinoistimes.com
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.50 out of 4 stars for BDK ReviewsBDK Reviews
It is not worth the ten or twelve bucks to see on the big screen considering most of the film is dialogue back and forth between Washington and Travolta. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at BDK Reviews
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.50 out of 4 stars for OregonianOregonian
The film is thus more of a technical showcase than a human drama. It's diverting enough until it gets dumb, but so strong from the start is the certainty that dumb is on the way that you can't get too vexed when it finally arrives. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Oregonian
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.50 out of 4 stars for Waffle MoviesWaffle Movies
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 is a solid action movie, especially if you like Washington, Travolta and Gandolfini. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Waffle Movies
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.50 out of 4 stars for Fresh and Frowsy (Radheyan Simonpillai)Fresh and Frowsy (Radheyan Simonpillai)
Like a child with ADD, Tony Scott's too anxious and fidgety to rely on Brian Helgeland's witty and unnerving screenplay for thrills ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Fresh and Frowsy (Radheyan Simonpillai)
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.50 out of 4 stars for WaffleMovies.comWaffleMovies.com
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 is a solid action movie, especially if you like Washington, Travolta and Gandolfini. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at WaffleMovies.com
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.50 out of 4 stars for Redbox (James Rocchi)Redbox (James Rocchi)
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three takes you by the throat; this new one, well-made as it is, just takes you for granted. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Redbox (James Rocchi)
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.50 out of 4 stars for Richmond.com (Mike Ward)Richmond.com (Mike Ward)
Sometimes it's refreshing to see a movie that is okay with just being okay. With The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, you get a C-student shoe salesman that rarely dazzles but doesn't disappoint. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Richmond.com (Mike Ward)
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.50 out of 4 stars for The New YorkerThe New Yorker
In the earlier version, directed by Joseph Sargent, the villain's nemesis was a transit cop, played by Walter Matthau. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at The New Yorker
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.50 out of 4 stars for Black VoicesBlack Voices
At times, moviegoers must be willing to suspend any concept of reality to enjoy the ride, but watching Washington and Travolta try to outwit each other is certainly worth the trip. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Black Voices
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.50 out of 4 stars for Quad City Times (Davenport, IA) (Linda Cook)Quad City Times (Davenport, IA) (Linda Cook)
The new movie is worth a matinee or a rental. The original is worth keeping on DVD. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Quad City Times (Davenport, IA) (Linda Cook)
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.50 out of 4 stars for filmcritic.comfilmcritic.com
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by DefyTime on July 17, 2009 Richardson, Texas
This movie feels like has been done a hundred times over. I'm so tired of seeing the same plot with almost the same actors. Denzel is much better than this. ...
by aravind08 on July 16, 2009 ,
It is thriller movie, music is very nice and direction was very excellent, because all slide have the thrilling and suspense. it is mindbogglingly. ...

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Ratings and rankings are based on number of movie, review scores, awards & other criteria.
Overall Rating:
2.3435
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) is ranked overall as  out of 4 stars
Avg Critic Score:
2.2662
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) is ranked overall as  out of 4 stars
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