Thrilling! And I don't use that word often.
Right before movie began, I whispered to hubby, "Let's go for a ride," and that we did! Mr. Denzel Washington plays a supporting role in this one. I say that because the real star of this film is the train, or, I should say, trains. From the very first 10 minutes I sensed the filmmakers' utmost respect and admiration for these immense, powerful vehicles that continue to keep this country moving. Director, Tony Scott, makes creative use of sound, close-up camera angles, sped-up filming to convey a mode of machinery most of us never come close to. His treatment of mixing in "news" coverage offers added perspectives and drama.
Unstoppable's (not to be confused with earlier film of same name with Wesley Snipes) other co-star, Chris Pine, holds his own with Mr. Washington. And, he is gorgeous. There was just enough personal background stuff to keep the humanity there without becoming sentimental or cliche.
I liked that there was no "bad guy" in this movie (just a profoundly stupid one). I liked that there was no contrived romance. The thrill and tension of this movie was so unceasing that I couldn't even hold hubby's hand; I held my own! And at one point I realized I had forgotten to exhale for some time! My shoulders were all clinched up. Get the point? Whew.
This movie's 95 minutes or so is just enough. One can't maintain that pace for much longer. Trust me, you will get your money's worth in that time.
Postscript: We live about 1 1/2 miles from a railroad track - just far enough away to enjoy the train whistles without windows breaking and heads hurting. Any time between 3:30-5:30 a.m. we'll hear one now and then. We learned some time back, that different train whistle patterns denote different messages. Sure enough, every train that passes through our residential area (I guess that's the code) follows: MEDIUM, MEDIUM, SHORT, LONGGGG. They are all done manually, because each conductor's is a little different. A lot like jazz. Cool, huh?
Sounds thrilling, Valerie. We will put this on our must-see list. Will be able to comment more intelligently after I've viewed the train flick!
ReplyDeleteI saw Denzel Washington & Chris Pine on a talk show. This wasn't done on a sound stage. They were on a traveling train. The director said he thought it was more realistic to do it this way. I look forward to seeing this so I understand more about what they were talking about.
ReplyDeleteYea. I just saw a 10 minute "making of" on HBO. Those boys were largely doing their own stunts. wow.
ReplyDeleteNice recommendation, film buddy! You nailed this film...excellent, I agree. I started out thinking, oh, gee, another mindless action film, so sit back, turn off brain, and enjoy. Well, not exactly. This film pulled me 100% into the story. Runaway train, believable. Idiots who cause runaway train, believable. Bigwigs who don't want to lose money by derailing runaway train, believable. AND: Macho heroes who stop train: BELIEVABLE. Denzel Washington shines in everything he does. But Chris Pine? His character worked perfectly opposite Denzel's: young v old, inexperienced v experienced, marriage challenged v child challenged... both brave.
ReplyDeleteHere's what moved me: These are two working guys. We sometimes forget that the heart and soul of America consists of the guys who do the tough, and sometimes dirty, work. I really enjoy films that remind us that there is a generous, heroic spirit in so many simple-thinking, straight-shooting, blue collar dudes. So chalk one up for the hand-calloused, soft-souled, train-stoppers! Lots of fun...memorable dialog...wonderful characters. A for Absolutely Top Entertainment.