Advanced Search Beta »
Basic Search Fields
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 Image
See the trailer
Metascore
55 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 34 Critics What's this?

User Score
6.1 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 98 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
Rate this:
  • Starring: Denzel Washington, John Travolta
  • Summary: In The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, New York City subway dispatcher, Walter Garber's, day is thrown into chaos by an audacious crime: the hijacking of a subway train. Ryder, the criminal mastermind who, as leader of a highly-armed gang of four, threatens to execute the train’s passengers unless a large ransom is paid within one hour. As the tension mounts beneath his feet, Garber employs his vast knowledge of the subway system in a battle to outwit Ryder and save the hostages. But there’s one riddle Garber can't solve: even if the thieves get the money, how can they possibly escape? (Sony Pictures)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 34
  3. Negative: 4 out of 34
  1. Rolling Stone
    Reviewed by: Peter Travers
    88
    It's a first-class ride. All aboard.
  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Michael Rechtshaffen
    60
    Curiously, despite the ever-energetic Tony Scott at the throttle, the sleek new edition isn't as transporting as it should have been.
  3. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Anthony Lane
    30
    Can a director be arrested for the attempted hijack of our emotions?

See all 34 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 47
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 47
  3. Negative: 12 out of 47
  1. grandpajoe6191
    7
    Despite the fact that the movie suffered painful cliches during the whole time, "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3" is a great,fast paced remake of the 1974 original (never saw it though). The movie's highlight you would want to watch is the frenzied cinematography of director Tony Scott as well as the tense acting of John Travolta and Denzel Washington.… Expand
    • 3 of 3 users said yes
  2. Tetsuo
    5
    I'm a fan of the book and '74 film starring Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw. When I saw it it was a great idea of updating the setting to post-9/11 New York. The acting from Denzel Washington and John Travolta is good and the film is like a ticking clock film. The biggest problem is that while the first 2 acts are strong, the third and final act turns into a cliche action movie with loses all the momentum. If they chose and final act similar to the book and original film it would of been a lot better.… Expand
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  3. StephanP.
    3
    This movie was extremely tiresome. The only thing that worked to it's favor was the first two minutes.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 47 User Reviews

Trailers