S4E45: The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009)
Summary
Hosts November Kelly, Abigail Thorne, and Devon review the 2009 remake of The Taking of Pelham 123. They critique director Tony Scott’s disorienting speed-ramping editing style while praising John Travolta’s intense villain performance and Denzel Washington’s nuanced portrayal of a disgraced dispatcher. The episode compares the film’s slick, post-9/11 competence to the grittier original, highlighting the dynamic between the hostages and hijackers.
Topics discussed
Intro and NYC climate chat
2009 aesthetic and Travolta's villainy
Tony Scott's camera work and editing
Gara's character and 2009 internet culture
Product placement and Sony Vaio laptops
Denzel Washington's dispatcher role
Mayor James Gandolfini's introduction
Gara's psychology and moral crusade
The bribe subplot and Charlie Kirk
Hostage dynamics and the kid peeing
Helicopter plan and troop ring moment
Gara's backstory and the ambulance crash
Sniper failure and Gara's escape
The chase and Denzel driving the train
Final confrontation and resolution
Critique of misogyny and representation
Awards, outro, and next episode preview
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