Review of Unstoppable (2010) by Lewis E — 19 Sep 2013

Classic Denzel. Your regular, experienced, hard- working joe-schmo who comes to save the day. A much loved actor but I wish he would switch it up a little more often. If you have seen 'Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, Out of Time or Deja Vu' then you could predict half his lines.

An unmanned train with dangerous cargo is speeding towards a populated town and various attempts are made to stop it. Like the train in the film, you know where it's heading. The fun comes from the multiple failed attempts to secure the freight train and there is only a one or two which I found somewhat tense.

The familiar old clichés are present from the ever worsening situation to the quick camera shots of loved ones and colleagues holding their breath and cheering them on. Don't forget the narrow minded corporate coot who serves as the slight antagonist, undermining Denzel's suggestions.

Maybe I've watched too many films but this is what goes through my head when all these elements continuously enter my screen. Washington and Pine's sudden friendship is believable but no strong chemistry exists to make their dialogue truly engaging.

Its saving grace is that it is an easy watch, clocking in at approximately 1 hour 30 mins. Considering how limited this idea is, that is right on schedule.