Film & TV

Unstoppable

Rating: M

Running Time: 98 minutes

Release Date: 6 January 2011

Based on true events, Unstoppable is an action thriller directed by Tony Scott (The Taking of Pelham 1,2,3) with screenplay by Mark Bomback.  A  series of errors has led to a driverless, runaway train in Pennsylvania, US,   heading for certain catastrophe went its dangerous cargo reaches the heavily populated town of Stanton. It all begins with Dewey (Ethan Suplee) an engineer with Allegheny and West Virginia Railroad (AWVR) who flagrantly disregards safety protocols, leading to the train coasting unmanned.  However with the throttle on and no brakes engaged, the train soon reaches speeds of 70mph.  Connie Hooper (Rosario Dawson), the yardmaster is notified and she advises senior manager Oscar Galvin (Kevin Dunn) of the potentially deadly scenario as the cargo on board is highly explosive and toxic.  Several unsuccessful attempts are made to try and stop the train. In the end Frank Barnes (Denzel Washington) a veteran railroad engineer of 28 years and rookie conductor Will Colson (Chris Pine) decide to take matters in their own hands, aided and abetted by gung-ho Ned Oldham (Lew Temple) railroad welder for AWVR. 

This film is truly edge of seat, nail biting, rollercoaster ride.  Scott’s superb direction has you totally engrossed in this gripping piece of storytelling cinema.  The pace of this film gathers momentum quickly, just like the runaway train and never lets up, which perfectly underscores that sense of racing against the clock.  The near misses, train wrecks and explosions are well filmed and into this is spliced footage of mock media coverage and live reporting from helicopters as the nation stops to watch, which is highly effective in conveying the real time drama.  There also is a good backstory which slowly reveals itself against the high octane backdrop.  It engages the audience with the characters and their derailed lives so we end up willing  their survival every step of the way. 

It is loosely based on true events and obviously dramatized for effect so it takes license with exploring themes of corporate greed and concern for share price over human life. It also highlights the battle of the ordinary man rising to unlikely hero and ultimately redemption. Both Denzel and Chris Pine put in solid performances, particularly the brooding looks of Pine who well conveys the air of a man hiding from a past.  Denzel is at his low key best and the changes in the relationship with his costar as the movie progresses is believable and well acted.  

This film unites trains, Denzel and Scott together again since their last foray with Pelham 1,2,3 with a more entertaining outcome this time .   Rosario Dawson puts in a good supporting role and adds an important female element to balance the testosterone.  The sound design is flawless as you are transported onto that train from every screech, lever change and mechanical failure all disguinshable from the helicopters flying overhead.

At 98 minutes it is a perfect length to sustain your interest at that relentless pace.  Highly enjoyable adrenaline rush.

4/5 stars

More News

To Top