I must have mentioned that my taste in movies are pretty predictable. I like the usual romantic comedies, (except those with the cheesy scripts that make me want to cringe) blockbusters and action shows. I also have a soft spot for car racing shows and good heist movies.
If I wasn’t a mother, I’d probably be a super spy or a bank heist mastermind in another life. It’s not just the money, it’s the thrill of outsmarting the system and getting away with it.
So naturally, when we had a night off to catch a show, The Taking of Pelham 123 edged out Terminator Salvation, State of Play and Ghosts of Girlfriends Past. I was hoping for some brilliant acting, a smart-ass fast-talking script, and some ingenious heist. But it turned out to be nothing more than a real tease. All I got was a huge set-up for a truly disappointing ending. With heavyweights like John Travolta (Grease is still one of my all time favorites – I can do a solid rendition of Grease Lightning!) and Denzel Washington, the acting was its only saving grace.
The plot though, left much to be desired. The whole time, I was waiting for the great escape, or a twist or something to tie up the story, but nada. There were promising moments, like when John Travolta was masterminding the heist as a catalyst for a tumble on the stock exchange so he could make an obscene pile of money and James Gandolfini realized the real reason behind the setup. But then it was just left hanging after that.
Or when this black dude stood up to take a bullet for a white lady he barely knew. There was so much potential with the plot, but somehow, it was all so dissatisfying. Like a build up to an orgasm which never happens. Just a big, fat waste of my time.
In fact, it was rather lame and when the credits started to roll, I was still hoping that there was something more. *Spoiler alert* All the bad guys got gunned down and the last scene ended with Denzel Washington, the anti-hero, taking the subway home and looking out the window.
We were probably better off watching Russell Crowe mumble his way through another movie. Or rewatching Taken: The Ultimate Parenting Guide.
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