The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3

The original was better, but this is a worthy entry. Superstars make it watchable. I can't help it, I like John Travolta better as a bad guy that as a good guy. There is much about this character we can't really understand or appreciate, but you have to enjoy the performance.

Denzel Washington is part victim part suspect here, and he plays it well. As usual Denzel represents us all. "Everyman" is neither a saint nor a total scoundrel. It is the constant wavering between the two that allows us to relate to his characters. There are several obvious nods to Walter Matthew who played his character in the original.

John Turturro and James Gandolfini are great in their supporting roles here. For Gandolfini it must have felt like his Tony Soprano character had been elected Mayor of New York. Not too much difference. I found it a little hard to believe Turturro in the hostage negotiator role given some of his other work, but that is my problem, not his.

Now to the movie itself, this is best if you don't watch with too much of a critical eye on plot and continuity. Like the NY subway itself - it's easier to enjoy the ride if you don't focus too much on the details.

Watch this movie with a big pastrami sandwich like they serve at the Stage Door Deli, it might feel more real that way.

The Punisher

One of you recently suggested to me that I check out this series given my taste for graphic comics made into movies. I had never heard of The Punisher comic so I had no interest in the movie. Thank you for the tip however. This movie has all the features of a classic comic gone action movie.

You have over-acting. You have comic relief. You have a central hero who is likable. You have a wealth of events Mythbusters can prove impossible. So if that is not your thing, don't watch this movie. On the other hand...

Thomas Jane, who was great as Mickey Mantle in 61*, is enjoyable in this role as the tragically heroic central character. He is just human enough, just vulnerable enough, and certainly buff enough to pull the role off.

There are some great names in the supporting cast too: John Travolta as the uber bad guy target of this episode's punishments, Roy Scheider as the gunsmitthing father of our hero, Rebecca Romijn as the sexy neighbor angel, Will Patton as the main bad guy's doer-of-dirty-deeds, with Ben Foster and John Pinette as the goofy but loyal neighbors.

This movie is admittedly not for everyone, but for those who like a good graphic comic brought to life this is a worthy effort. Thank you again for the suggestion.

Watch this with plenty of popcorn and a friend to enjoy the ride.

Bolt

This is classic Disney fare, and very well done. You've got to love a movie that makes fun of Hollywood stereotypes in such a believable way. The side characters make the movie. There really are no wasted scenes. Kids of all ages should enjoy this. I did.

If you have ever had a pet, this movie may speak to you. And I'm glad they didn't silly it up having the animals talk to humans. A dog, a cat, and a hamster. If this is not the oddest buddy movie ever...

John Travolta's voice was a great match for this dog. The other voices fit well too. Nothing seem out of place.

The only thing that felt odd to me was the country music soundtrack. If you think about it though, it makes sense. That's where the movie ends, AND where much of the movie takes place - in the country.

Watch this movie with someone who gets excited as a hamster in a plastic ball and it will be way more fun.

Face/Off

Part Sci-Fi, part crime drama, part action adventure, this movie has a little something for everyone. The main characters, representing absolute good and evil, literally and figuratively reverse roles in a fantastic way. While they fail miserably to actually become their enemy, they succeed in convincing everyone else all is well. Almost.

John Travola, the comeback bad guy version (Pulp Fiction, Get Shorty, and Swordfish), plays an FBI chief obsessed with a single villain. Nicholas Cage (Con Air, Gone in 60 Seconds, and Lord of War) is at his bad-guy best in this movie. Cage's acting is totally over the top and it's perfect for the role.

Each bad boy has his good girl, and Joan Allen (Peggy Sue Got Married - also with Cage, Bourne series, and Off the Map) is solid as the long-suffering FBI wife. Gina Gershon (Syriana and Kettle of Fish plus tons of other iffy stuff) is the equally long-suffered criminal moll. Only they know for sure who is who.

As thriller movies go, this is a good one. AFI ranks it in the top 100 of all time.

Watch it with someone with at least 2 personalities, and see what happens.