Unstoppable

Unstoppable

With a fairly unmemorable title and an even more forgettable advertising campaign, Unstoppable has surprisingly done well at the box office. The only thing I can think of is that word of mouth is helping this train move forward, since the film is actually a lot better than you would expect. It isn't a must-see or a brilliant thriller that rocked my world, but it is a lean and efficient movie, well-crafted and suspenseful.

Due to a series of idiotic blunders, a massive freight train with containers of explosive chemicals starts down the railroad line at top speeds, with no driver. The train company, represented at the local level by Connie (Rosario Dawson), tries desperately to stop the train before it gets to a major city, where it will likely derail and explode. To add to the problem, veteran conductor Frank (Denzel Washington) and rookie Will (Chris Pine) are on the same track, heading on a collision course straight toward the rogue train. And then there is also that train of school children on a field trip - oh no!!

Sounds like there isn't much to it, and really there isn't. But in the hands of a capable crew, the film is actually enjoyable. The cast all performs admirably, with the younger Pine holding his own against always reliable Denzel. Director Tony Scott (Top Gun) tones down the visual excesses that have marred his recent films and actually has made his best movie since 2001's Spy Game. The film is well-edited, well-paced, and doesn't feel the need to add a thousand explosions at the end. It's just all about stopping a train.

I don't think you should rush out to see Unstoppable. But it's worth a rental or a viewing on FX, certainly. It's just a solid, little movie.

MVP: I'm actually bypassing the big guns and going for character actor Lew Temple (21 Grams) as Ned. He is a quirky dude, with his sunglasses, cowboy hat, pickup truck and unkempt appearance. I'm not really sure what his job description is, but he seems to be the local train company's resident problem solver. Most of the movie, he is zooming alongside the train in his red pickup truck, waiting for the right moment to make a move to help, and yelling at random people about precision. It's an amusing performance and I smiled whenever he popped up on the screen.

TRIVIA: Chris Pine performed all of his own stunts, which is pretty impressive since they have him doing some dangerous things on that train car.

BEST LINE: Will: "This is Will Colsin, the conductor speaking; just to let you know we're gonna run this bitch down."

OSCAR NOMINATIONS: Best Sound Editing