Critic Reviews

Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) Rank 5 Reviews

Expert Review Summary
Movie critics combined give Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) a score of 2.2662 out of 4
based on (153) reviews
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Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 3.75 out of 4 stars for E! OnlineE! Online
[Tony] Scott, to his credit, mostly lets the actors do their thing and stays out of their way. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at E! Online
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for TV Guide's Movie GuideTV Guide's Movie Guide
From the cast to the crew, everyone involved seems to be firing on all cylinders, though it's Helgeland whose contributions make this retread an unmitigated success. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at TV Guide's Movie Guide
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for Rolling StoneRolling Stone
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 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 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 3.25 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 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 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 3.20 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 2.80 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 2.75 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 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 2.75 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 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 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 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 2.60 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 2.60 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 2.50 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 filmcritic.comfilmcritic.com
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 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 2.40 out of 4 stars for Sky Movies (Rob Daniel)Sky Movies (Rob Daniel)
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.40 out of 4 stars for Digital Spy (Stella Papamichael)Digital Spy (Stella Papamichael)
Scott does like his bells and whistles, substituting those for real atmosphere and sense of place. Fortunately that's not enough to completely wreck a serviceable thriller. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Digital Spy (Stella Papamichael)
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.40 out of 4 stars for Daily Mail [UK] (Christopher Tookey)Daily Mail [UK] (Christopher Tookey)
The Taking Of Pelham 123 may not be up there with his best, but it's professional, fast-moving and holds the interest. It will pay a few bills, which is the only reason it exists. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Daily Mail [UK] (Christopher Tookey)
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.40 out of 4 stars for Total Film (Matt Mueller)Total Film (Matt Mueller)
For a good hour, Scott delivers a tense cat-and-mouser. Goes off track when Denzel turns action hero, but his riffing with a sinister Trav is what propels this Pelham. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Total Film (Matt Mueller)
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.40 out of 4 stars for Financial Times (Nigel Andrews)Financial Times (Nigel Andrews)
If you like Scott you can argue that too much is better than too little. This movie has a vision and sticks to it. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Financial Times (Nigel Andrews)
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.40 out of 4 stars for Heart 106.2 (Simon Thompson)Heart 106.2 (Simon Thompson)
It moves along at a decent pace but I’d have liked something more – but what exactly, I can’t quite put my finger on. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Heart 106.2 (Simon Thompson)
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.40 out of 4 stars for Uncut Magazine [UK] ()Uncut Magazine [UK] ()
The film thrills like a super-saturated fairground ride, but Scott ducks the question of post -9/11 terror, and fails to deliver on a metaphorical level. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Uncut Magazine [UK] ()
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.40 out of 4 stars for eFilmCritic.com (David Cornelius)eFilmCritic.com (David Cornelius)
It entertains the way it wants, as shiny, shallow popcorn fun. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at eFilmCritic.com (David Cornelius)
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.25 out of 4 stars for Newark Star-LedgerNewark Star-Ledger
But at this point in the summer -- which, by Hollywood yardsticks, is nearly half over -- that's okay. We've been waiting too long for a sharp little urban thriller with a couple of tense scenes and one fine, bold performance. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Newark Star-Ledger
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.25 out of 4 stars for Ozus' World Movie ReviewsOzus' World Movie Reviews
Things move along at a brisk pace as the underground transfer of the money is negotiated, but Scott is not satisfied to just let the story play out without ratcheting up the violence and the action sequences, and the paunchy 'everyman' civil servant has t ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.25 out of 4 stars for Spout BlogSpout Blog
By the time I've moved up to 3rd in line, I've vowed to reserve my use of the word "pointless" for experiences like The Taking of Pelham 123, which are literally pointless, in that there is no point of impact. They simply do not have a reason to exist. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Spout Blog
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.25 out of 4 stars for TheDivaReview.comTheDivaReview.com
There's still the odd bit of unnecessary OTT violence thrown in just to make sure you're awake, but The Taking of Pelham 123 is rather restrained by Tony Scott's standards and the calmer tone suits this piece. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at TheDivaReview.com
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.25 out of 4 stars for JoBloJoBlo
Still, THE TAKING OF PELHAM 123, is a solid enough thriller, although it's easily one of the lesser Scott/ Washington pairings (better than DEJA VU, but nowhere near as good as CRIMSON TIDE or MAN ON FIRE), and probably won't be Travolta's big comeback fi ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at JoBlo
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.25 out of 4 stars for St. Louis Post-DispatchSt. Louis Post-Dispatch
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 should satisfy action fans who enjoy seeing Washington in dangerous situations. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.25 out of 4 stars for Dallas Morning NewsDallas Morning News
The silver lining here may be that this remake gets a few more people to check out the original, a beautiful scrapbook of mid-'70s New York City, full of great performances and influential flourishes. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Dallas Morning News
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.25 out of 4 stars for Denver PostDenver Post
Still, the big show remains the mind-game match-up between Ryder and Garber and the actors who portray them. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Denver Post
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.25 out of 4 stars for Tri-City HeraldTri-City Herald
Like the original, The Taking of Pelham 123 struggles. The commandeered plot is like the film's train. When you first get on board it just sits on the track. Once the story begins moving, you can predict each stop along the route. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Tri-City Herald
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.25 out of 4 stars for Jam! MoviesJam! Movies
But by then not even those missteps can't derail a movie confidently rocketing down to the wire on sheer momentum, fuelled by sound, fury and Washington and Travolta's movie-star magnetism. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Jam! Movies
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.25 out of 4 stars for Kansas City StarKansas City Star
The heart of "Pelham" is a series of conversations between these two men. Ryder seems fully in control, setting the parameters of the negotiations and killing at will; Walter must try to soothe the ex-con's bad temper and stall for time. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Kansas City Star
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.25 out of 4 stars for AskMen.comAskMen.com
Director Tony Scott has built a career out of crafting films that have been unabashedly geared toward the testosterone set. It's hard not to admire the R-rated gusto with which Scott has infused this film. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at AskMen.com
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.25 out of 4 stars for Giant MagazineGiant Magazine
As major studio productions go though, it's solidly crafted, well-acted and filled with moments of genuine tension and humor. And if it encourages moviegoers to hit Netflix and check out the original version, that's even better. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Giant Magazine
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.25 out of 4 stars for Film.comFilm.com
Washington's screen presence is powerful, as always, and the movie isn't a bad way to pass a couple hours, as long as you don't sit too close to the screen and are inured to a steady barrage of loud dialogue that doesn't bother to be clever. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Film.com
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.00 out of 4 stars for St. Paul Pioneer Press (Chris Hewitt (St. Paul))St. Paul Pioneer Press (Chris Hewitt (St. Paul))
It feels like Pelham is close to something interesting but never gets there because Scott doesn't give a rip. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at St. Paul Pioneer Press (Chris Hewitt (St. Paul))
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.00 out of 4 stars for Baltimore Sun (Michael Sragow)Baltimore Sun (Michael Sragow)
The new players can't generate the grimy elan of the old film. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Baltimore Sun (Michael Sragow)
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.00 out of 4 stars for Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN) (Bob Bloom)Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN) (Bob Bloom)
The repartee between Travolta's Ryder and Washington's Walter Garber is the cement that binds the movie. When it deviates from them, the film goes to pieces. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN) (Bob Bloom)
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.00 out of 4 stars for Miami HeraldMiami Herald
Hiring Tony Scott to direct The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 is like hiring Michael Bay to direct My Dinner With Andre: A colossal mismatch of director and material. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Miami Herald
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.00 out of 4 stars for One Guy's OpinionOne Guy's Opinion
Like most remakes, this oddly perfunctory retooling is unnecessary, and actually inferior to its model. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at One Guy's Opinion
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.00 out of 4 stars for NewsdayNewsday
Director Tony Scott may not suffer from attention-deficit disorder, but he is convinced you do. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Newsday
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.00 out of 4 stars for Philadelphia InquirerPhiladelphia Inquirer
The only surprise in the new Pelham is that there's nothing to replace the narrative ingenuity of the original. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Philadelphia Inquirer
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.00 out of 4 stars for Deseret NewsDeseret News
This version of the hijacking thriller tale is pretty messy and has all-over-the-map performances and a too-showy directorial style. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Deseret News
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.00 out of 4 stars for The Movie KitThe Movie Kit
Hire Denzel Washington. He is bound to make any mediocre film better than it should, which is precisely what he does in The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at The Movie Kit
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.00 out of 4 stars for Go Memphis articleGo Memphis article
The laughable climax is punctuated with a military-style salute from a police hostage negotiater that is so silly. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Go Memphis article
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.00 out of 4 stars for The Globe and MailThe Globe and Mail
The best thing the new Pelham can offer in compensation is a spinning panorama of midtown gridlock and a glance at an iconic yellow cab with the tourist board "Made in New York" motto on its rooftop sign. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at The Globe and Mail
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.00 out of 4 stars for Movie City NewsMovie City News
The only real competition with it this summer, so far, is the old guy with the balloons and the three guys in the desert trying not get blown up. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Movie City News
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.00 out of 4 stars for suite101suite101
Pelham's many strong points are junked in favor of cheap ticking-clock thrills. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at suite101
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.00 out of 4 stars for Las Vegas WeeklyLas Vegas Weekly
Scott does his best to turn this back-and-forth into an action movie, but it does more to distract from the simple, economical story than enhance it. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Las Vegas Weekly
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.00 out of 4 stars for Eclipse MagazineEclipse Magazine
What works in this film is the relationship that builds between Garber and Ryder. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Eclipse Magazine
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.00 out of 4 stars for Hollywood Report CardHollywood Report Card
Also, as performances go, Gandolfini, Turturro and Guzman are great actors, but aren't big players in the film. They nearly only cameo here. I also felt that Washington, though acting well, was miscast. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Hollywood Report Card
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.00 out of 4 stars for TwinCities.comTwinCities.com
Whenever things start to bog down, Scott's instinct is to cut to a shootout or a catapulting police car, preferably in slow motion. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at TwinCities.com
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.00 out of 4 stars for Sacramento BeeSacramento Bee
There are only so many ways to photograph a train in a tunnel, despite Scott's visual doodling. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Sacramento Bee
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 2.00 out of 4 stars for Boston GlobeBoston Globe
The new Pelham is a solid, suspenseful tale all over again, so long as it stays in the subway tunnels and airless offices of the transit department. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Boston Globe
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 1.75 out of 4 stars for indiomoviesonline.comindiomoviesonline.com
Instead of Helgeland pumping energy into the story, it's the external elements that benefit from a modern sensibility, leaving the plot and dialogue to languish on a gummy subway car floor. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at indiomoviesonline.com
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 1.75 out of 4 stars for Screen DailyScreen Daily
The Taking of Pelham 123 is a professionally mounted genre exercise which tries to please both the thriller and social drama crowds and suffers as a result. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Screen Daily
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 1.75 out of 4 stars for Creative LoafingCreative Loafing
Few directors are as impersonal as Tony Scott (Domino, Days of Thunder), and he exhibits this detachment once again with a picture that's more interested in style than substance - even the city of New York, the true principal player in this tale, fail ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Creative Loafing
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 1.75 out of 4 stars for 7M Pictures7M Pictures
Flash can work in a film, but it can also be used to cover things up, and "The Taking of Pelham 123" had a lot that needed to be covered up. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at 7M Pictures
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 1.75 out of 4 stars for Jo ReviewsJo Reviews
"The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3" contained the mix that every thriller has; the bad guy, the good guy, the mayor (portrayed by the entertaining James Gandolfini) and the hostages. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Jo Reviews
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 1.60 out of 4 stars for This is London (Derek Malcolm)This is London (Derek Malcolm)
Tony Scott’s remake of the semi-classic of 1974 begins and ends badly. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at This is London (Derek Malcolm)
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 1.60 out of 4 stars for Sun Online ()Sun Online ()
Despite extensive updates, the plot feels a bit predictable. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Sun Online ()
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 1.60 out of 4 stars for Little White Lies (Matt Bochenski)Little White Lies (Matt Bochenski)
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 1.50 out of 4 stars for efilmcritic.comefilmcritic.com
The least we can expect from our heist thrillers is to watch a group of professionals on both sides of the versus. Pelham's good guys are pretty neutered, just standing around watching Washington & Travolta converse. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at efilmcritic.com
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 1.50 out of 4 stars for MSNBCMSNBC
Scott seems not to trust the cat-and-mouse maneuverings of Washington and Travolta to carry the film, instead sucking away the claustrophobic intensity with car chases and other superfluous frills. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at MSNBC
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 1.50 out of 4 stars for Slant MagazineSlant Magazine
Pelham a bludgeoning ride, one that would benefit from Scott recognizing that a measure of restraint is nothing to sneeze at. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Slant Magazine
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 1.50 out of 4 stars for Cinema BlendCinema Blend
That train wreck ending might be more forgivable if the rest of the film had been more substantive, but it's a fairly meaningless, if well acted conversation wedged in between some even more meaningless, blurry city footage. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Cinema Blend
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 1.25 out of 4 stars for Time Out New YorkTime Out New York
Film must truly be a director's medium. How else can such a deep pool of talent -- cool-as-a-cucumber Denzel Washington, James Gandolfini as a shifty NYC mayor, screenwriter Brian Helgeland (L.A. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Time Out New York
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 1.25 out of 4 stars for BrandonFibs.comBrandonFibs.com
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 is the ultimate exercise in redundancy, a bullying, almost completely artless film, a superfluous venture in every possible way. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at BrandonFibs.com
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 1.00 out of 4 stars for New York PressNew York Press
Pelham 123 exploits urban anxiety without relief or understanding. Using exacerbation as entertainment, it is simply an I HATE NY ad. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at New York Press
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 1.00 out of 4 stars for Brian Orndorf Brian Orndorf
Pelham would've been better served by a handful of Ritalin, or perhaps a director who wouldn't dare sacrifice rollicking suspense to feed his meaningless camera fetishes. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Brian Orndorf
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 1.00 out of 4 stars for NY MagNY Mag
Travolta's high-tech 21st-century scheme turns out to be not just preposterous but superfluous, demented. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at NY Mag
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 1.00 out of 4 stars for Village VoiceVillage Voice
Scott's redo comes up short in almost every regard against the '74 model. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Village Voice
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 1.00 out of 4 stars for Hollywood & FineHollywood & Fine
A compact thriller inflated into a big-budget showpiece that casually throws away its own best attributes to pander to an audience with an impaired attention span. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Hollywood & Fine
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 1.00 out of 4 stars for eFilmCriticeFilmCritic
If you are lucky enough to have seen the earlier classic, it is more than likely that you will find this version is something to be sneezed at after all. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at eFilmCritic
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 1.00 out of 4 stars for News BlazeNews Blaze
The movie might leave audiences feeling a lot like hostages themselves, at the hands of the director. Who seems to have a bit of a contact high with all the grating noise, grit and funk of runaway trains. Somebody needed to put the brakes on this guy too. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at News Blaze
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 1.00 out of 4 stars for The Onion A.V. ClubThe Onion A.V. Club
John Travolta's wildly successful post-comeback crusade to become synonymous with crap continues with The Taking Of Pelham 1 2 3, Tony Scott's bracingly awful remake/desecration of the classic '70s thriller. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at The Onion A.V. Club
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 1.00 out of 4 stars for The Movie BoyThe Movie Boy
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 is good for nothing other than to contrast how the same premise can be turned into both a classic motion picture, and a very, very bad one. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at The Movie Boy
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 1.00 out of 4 stars for LarsenOnFilm (Josh Larsen)LarsenOnFilm (Josh Larsen)
Travolta barks and giggles and screams, as if creating a memorable nemesis was simply a matter of calling more attention to yourself than anyone else. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at LarsenOnFilm (Josh Larsen)
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 0.80 out of 4 stars for Independent (Anthony Quinn)Independent (Anthony Quinn)
Compare him with the gang-leader in the 1974 film, played by Robert Shaw as a tight-lipped, ice-cool killer, and Travolta starts to look like a joke. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Independent (Anthony Quinn)
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 0.75 out of 4 stars for Associated PressAssociated Press
The prevalence of technology also makes the crime itself seem rather archaic. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Associated Press
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 0.75 out of 4 stars for Austin ChronicleAustin Chronicle
You won't be disappointed: Shaw rocked it in ways Travolta hasn't even yet discovered, and Matthau makes Washington's character look like the dull, bureaucratic cog that he is. I love New York. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Austin Chronicle
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 0.75 out of 4 stars for eFilmCriticeFilmCritic
The original "Pelham" went like a shot without sacrificing the wonderfully irate character of the city or the thrills of the story. This one goes 100mph right out of the gate and loses -no, disregards- everything that made the old classic work. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at eFilmCritic
Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) scores a combined 0.75 out of 4 stars for Philadelphia WeeklyPhiladelphia Weekly
Foolishly attempts to update the 1974 classic by cranking the volume and inflating the Noo Yawk attitude to a cartoonish level of macho posturing. ...read the complete Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 movie review at Philadelphia Weekly
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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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Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) is ranked overall as  out of 4 stars
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Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The (2009) is ranked overall as  out of 4 stars
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