The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 Image
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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 110 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • 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 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. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: Joe Neumaier
    80
    A fast and relentless hostage thriller that never stops.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 50
  3. Negative: 12 out of 50
  1. JonnyW
    10
    A film that has it all, a rich and powerful storyline, believable and likable characters, and perhaps less importantly a great soundtrack and sense of humor.… Expand
  2. CarlosS
    8
    No waiting around for action in the movie. John is awesome as a bad guy in this movie. From begining to end this movie is great.
  3. 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
  4. Jefflyn90
    4
    The script removes everything that is memorable from the first film and yet tries to burden the main characters with complicated back stories which you won't really understand. Although the director's style of editing and blurring images do give it the upper hand sometimes, its a big pity that a crash scene steals the spotlight from the main event. Also with these types of films reality is normally not a problem, but it becomes so disengaging that its difficult to get by the miracle internet connection in the subway, how Ryder is hoping to profit from the heist and the fact that Garber seems to be the only one who knows the subway.… Expand

See all 50 User Reviews

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