It's best not to dwell on the some of the cavernous plot holes in the film's story (just why are Ryder's henchmen so nonchalant about discovering a passenger video-conferencing the whole ordeal with his needy girlfriend? Any why are they so quick to dismiss their leader after following his orders without question?) and enjoy the frenetic ride when it does stay on track.
But every time the camera gets stationary for a millisecond on Washington's calm-in-the-storm's-center, I could not help but yearn for a hint of even the actor's lesser films (like the strikingly similar but infinitely more engaging Inside Man) and want more than Scott is capable of delivering as a director. Had he not been behind the controls, and had this remake been cast with lesser-known dramatic leads, Pelham may have coasted through its rough patches on its adrenaline and audacity alone.
As is, Pelham will provide viewers with a couple hours of low-rent escapism, but those searching for a weighty dissertation on corporate greed, classism, or any other of the subjects it flirts with, you may want to catch the next summer cinematic train.
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