Who doesn’t love a good thriller? Good versus evil is timeless, but how many ways can you tell the same story? What is lost in translation? And, are re-makes ever as good as the original?
In the present day Pelham 123, John Travolta plays Ryder, the lead hijacker who ferrets out Denzel Washington’s character Garber’s secrets, kills innocent people, and blames everything on a city that did him wrong. While Travolta’s portrayal is stunning so closely following the tragedy of his son’s death, many viewers may feel moments of déjà vu as the character Ryder strongly resembles former characters in Travolta’s repertoire.
This new script focuses on the relationship between Ryder and Garber more than keeping to any direct correlation to the previous novel and film plots. Ryder has many new dimensions incorporated into his character that differ from former portrayals, and Garber’s character goes from transit police to subway dispatcher. It is these direct changes in character and the connection between Ryder and Garber that sets the stage for this newest version of Pelham 123. This ‘Pelham’ centers on how circumstance and choice separate men, and drive each to do the unthinkable. With the inflection of new technology and plot twists this film diverts from its original counterparts and creates a modern day feel.
What you may not know: Pelham 123 was first a 1973 thriller novel by Morton Freedgood told from over thirty perspectives, then it became a 1974 film, followed by a TV movie in 1998, and this final rendition in 2009. All literary and film portrayals share the following traits: a train is hijacked, the hijackers are out to make money, and the main bad guy is named Ryder. But, it is the differences that make each story unique and this final version one worth watching.
So, if you are looking for an action film with a flair for violence and drama, famous actors, and a touch of nostalgia, this film may well fit the bill. But, for this viewer, one has to beg let this be the final whistle blow for Pelham 123.