The Taking of Pelham 123

Walter Garber's (Denzel Washington) typical uneventful day at the MTA as a dispatcher turns into a giant adrenaline rush when men with guns hijack a subway train and demand a ransom in return.  A remake of the 1974 film of the same name sees the old plot updated for todays times with John Travolta playing a snarling bad ass and James Gandolfini showing up as the mayor of NYC. The Travolta vs Washington casting promises much and it almost delivers. But the director / script writer cuts it short just when the going gets good. An  action flick that keeps you engaged but not over awed.

Rating: * *

Power

Very disappointing movie. Considering it was about a 'spin doctor' and directed by Sidney Lumet, was looking forward to this one. But it just kind of kills itself with the intense script thats horribly muddled - even the actors look confused at times.

Rating: *

Inside Man

Theres a good guy and a bad guy. But they are both good. And as always in such cases, theres a bad bitch in between. Hiding. One keeps hoping that the good good guy and the good bad guy doesnt cross paths more than necessary. While the bad bitch gets sorted out appropriately. And one keeps wondering till the end.

A Spike Lee joint.

and this Clive Owen fellow is quality.

Rating: * * *