The Taking of Pelham 123 starts with four armed men, led by Bernard Ryder (John Travolta), boarding the New York City subway train with intention to hijack it. When the train is stopped on the tracks, the group of hijackers uncouple the first car from the rest of the train. They hold the passengers in the front car hostage. Ryder is contacted by dispatcher Walter Garber (Denzel Washington). Ryder tells Garber he is holding the passengers hostage in return for $10 million. This leads to a thrilling standoff between Ryder, Garber, and the NYPD.
They demand the $10 million to be paid within 60 minutes. For each minute that passes the deadline, one passenger will be killed. Garber and Ryder exchange conversation through the train radio for the next hour while Ryder watches the stock market plunge. Lt. Camonetti (John Turturro) enters the train station base. He and Garber’s boss order Garber to leave the premises. Camonetti takes over the intercom system, which infuriates Ryder. Ryder then demands Garber be put back on the mic. When Camonetti refuses, Ryder shoots and kills the train operator. Camonetti immediately has Garber brought back to the base and talking to Ryder.
From here on out, the movie takes some serious turns and we find out just exactly how Garber and Ryder are connected. The twist ending was something I definitely did not see coming!
I’m not really into any action movies but this was amazing. I loved this film!. There was not one boring part, it keeps your attention the entire time. There is a lot of cursing, but I believe it just makes the film that much better. Travolta plays a wonderful bad guy! I highly recommend not only seeing this film but purchasing it as it is such a good one!
I liked this movie. BUt I actually thought John Travolta was just okay in it. love the pace of the movie though!
Oooh, high intensity! It’s very much a “Gloria” movie.