The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3
Metascore
55 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 34 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 34
  3. Negative: 4 out of 34
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  1. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Anthony Lane
    30
    Can a director be arrested for the attempted hijack of our emotions?
  2. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Nathan Rabin
    25
    Tony Scott’s bracingly awful remake/desecration of the classic ‘70s thriller.
  3. Austin Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Marc Savlov
    20
    Loud, abrasive, and featuring performances seemingly calibrated to be heard over the cacophonous roar of Travolta's mad, bad overacting.
  4. Salon.com
    Reviewed by: Andrew O'Hehir
    20
    Disposable crap.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.1 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 110 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 50
  3. Negative: 12 out of 50
  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.… Full Review »
  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.… Full Review »
  3. MikeK
    7
    The perfect rental. Not very substantial, but always entertaining and very intense when it needs to be. Denzel and Travolta's good/bad guy relationship is the star of the show here.… Full Review »
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