Some critics seem to insist action films should have an abundance of character driven drama in them. Especially noticeable with recent movies, their criticism has led to some film-makers producing more ‘worthy’ efforts with some social commentary hopefully appeasing such barbs. This has led to a dearth of dull thrillers forgetting to be entertaining whilst delivering stoic characterisation. Luckily directors such as Tony Scott ignore such detractors with Unstoppable the latest in his long line of mindless adventure flicks.
An engineer for a train company, Frank (Denzel Washington) learns he has to teach a new employee Will (Chris Pine) the ropes. Reluctantly doing so, his day is about to get more hectic when a runaway train carrying dangerous chemicals is discovered. Zooming through the suburban landscape, it must be stopped before it brings untold destruction. Racing against the clock, they forge an alliance where old and new techniques are needed in order to save the day.
Having directed hits like Beverly Hills Cop 2, Scott knows how to pump out high octane action. Unstoppable is full of his trademark explosive swagger as he ramps the tension to fever pitch. You could almost call it his version of a disaster film, with the speeding train hurtling towards potential doom. With Washington and Pine’s earnest conviction giving weight to his visual gloss, it’s easy to be taken along for the ride as a popcorn film allows.
Making this spectacle interesting is the back-story in the dealings with a bureaucracy attempting to modernise its practices. Keenly shown in their various attempts at stopping the rollicking automotive, their reluctance to ignore their egos and accepting other’s judgements leads to a fine line between failure and success. Although a mere backdrop to the ongoing pyrotechnics, these elements kick proceedings along at a steady pace even if its’ bag of tricks offer minimal surprises.
Delivering a cinematic equivalent of an adrenaline rush, Scott ensures his latest does a serviceable job. It also proves why his ignorance of dour critics’ demands has made him Hollywood’s ‘go to man’ for delivering fast moving action.
Movie Review Rating 7 / 10
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
Unstoppable released in Australia on Thursday 13 January 2011.
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