Film: Unstoppable
Starring: Denzel Washington (Training Day and Remember the Titans), Chris pine (Star Trek), and Rosario Dawson (Seven Pounds)
U.S. Release: 2010 (rated PG-13)
Director: Tony Scott (Crimson Tide and Taking of Pelham 1 2 3)
Genre: Action
Runtime: 98 minutes
It was a packed house at the advanced screening of Unstoppable I attended last week. In fact, due to some traffic, I almost didn't get a seat. All of this reiterated the fact that the general public loves a good Action movie. And if you want a good action movie, Tony Scott seems to be the go-to director these days. Now I'll be the first to admit that special effects and heart-pounding scenes don't usually draw me to a film, but if it's done correctly, I can thoroughly enjoy a solid action movie. So if you're a HUGE action buff, take my review with a grain of salt.
Unstoppable is based on true events that actually occurred in my home state of Pennsylvania. I was pretty shocked that I couldn't remember ever hearing about the story. On a typical week day, a clumsy railroad employee mishandles a situation and the result is an unmanned, heavy duty train traveling around 65 mph. Unstoppable focuses on all of the problems the railroad company experienced while having to somehow stop this moving missile. To fuel the fire, let me also mention that this out of control vessel is carrying tons of hazardous and flammable materials. Frank (played by Washington) drives trains for the railroad company, and when he hears of the situation he convinces rookie conductor Will (played by Pine) to help him do something about it.
There are plenty of memorable scenes in Unstoppable. In fact, it's intensity is a sure fire adrenaline rush for the entire audience. Also, the director does a great job of circumventing the main characters' back story's. The viewers are there for the thrill ride, not the drama surrounding Will or Frank. Furthermore, the dialogue was tasteful and the acting was solid. But, as I must warn you, Unstoppable has its fair share of criticisms too. It's recycled feeling of here's a problem, here's a solution, and here's a new problem ... becomes exhausting. The plot rarely progresses, and we're left facing similar dilemmas over and over again. By the end of the movie you catch yourself wondering "when will they stop this train already"?
Despite its slight overkill, the action sequences are great and there are plenty of enjoyable aspects to Tony Scott's latest film. Unstoppable is a roller coaster ride that ultimately leaves you satisfied at its conclusion. What it lacks in substance and plot it makes up with its humor and visuals. That being said, if you're a sucker for an action film, definitely check it out. If not, wait for dvd.
Watch Unstoppable if you enjoyed: Speed. There's not as much fluff in Unstoppable, and you get an ever larger rush from this film.
Stars: 2 out of 4
Starring: Denzel Washington (Training Day and Remember the Titans), Chris pine (Star Trek), and Rosario Dawson (Seven Pounds)
U.S. Release: 2010 (rated PG-13)
Director: Tony Scott (Crimson Tide and Taking of Pelham 1 2 3)
Genre: Action
Runtime: 98 minutes
It was a packed house at the advanced screening of Unstoppable I attended last week. In fact, due to some traffic, I almost didn't get a seat. All of this reiterated the fact that the general public loves a good Action movie. And if you want a good action movie, Tony Scott seems to be the go-to director these days. Now I'll be the first to admit that special effects and heart-pounding scenes don't usually draw me to a film, but if it's done correctly, I can thoroughly enjoy a solid action movie. So if you're a HUGE action buff, take my review with a grain of salt.
Unstoppable is based on true events that actually occurred in my home state of Pennsylvania. I was pretty shocked that I couldn't remember ever hearing about the story. On a typical week day, a clumsy railroad employee mishandles a situation and the result is an unmanned, heavy duty train traveling around 65 mph. Unstoppable focuses on all of the problems the railroad company experienced while having to somehow stop this moving missile. To fuel the fire, let me also mention that this out of control vessel is carrying tons of hazardous and flammable materials. Frank (played by Washington) drives trains for the railroad company, and when he hears of the situation he convinces rookie conductor Will (played by Pine) to help him do something about it.
There are plenty of memorable scenes in Unstoppable. In fact, it's intensity is a sure fire adrenaline rush for the entire audience. Also, the director does a great job of circumventing the main characters' back story's. The viewers are there for the thrill ride, not the drama surrounding Will or Frank. Furthermore, the dialogue was tasteful and the acting was solid. But, as I must warn you, Unstoppable has its fair share of criticisms too. It's recycled feeling of here's a problem, here's a solution, and here's a new problem ... becomes exhausting. The plot rarely progresses, and we're left facing similar dilemmas over and over again. By the end of the movie you catch yourself wondering "when will they stop this train already"?
Despite its slight overkill, the action sequences are great and there are plenty of enjoyable aspects to Tony Scott's latest film. Unstoppable is a roller coaster ride that ultimately leaves you satisfied at its conclusion. What it lacks in substance and plot it makes up with its humor and visuals. That being said, if you're a sucker for an action film, definitely check it out. If not, wait for dvd.
Watch Unstoppable if you enjoyed: Speed. There's not as much fluff in Unstoppable, and you get an ever larger rush from this film.
Stars: 2 out of 4
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