Unstoppable is probably a good example that you don't always have to use guns and shooting scenes with cars blow up or buildings explode to make an action flick. While watching Unstoppable, I can't escape Speed from my head. Well, instead of using bus, it uses a unmanned train. Inspired by a true event back in 2001, a huge train has been loose without any conductor at the speed of 70 miles per hour, carrying explosive liquid, and it is heading to populated area. Meet our heroes of the day, a veteran train conductor, Frank (Denzel Washington) and a rookie under his supervision, Will (Chris Pine). They have to put aside their own differences and family issues, and crazy enough, start to chase the loose train suicidally in order to stop it. Meanwhile, Connie (Rosario Dawson), the yardmaster, has to push lots of ideas (and yell a lot) to help these guys and save the company ass.
Tony Scott is back at his best, perhaps after the revenge vendetta Man on Fire back couple of years ago. I have been admiring some of his works (which mostly action movies) back in the 90's and the last decade, with True Romance, Crimson Tide, Enemy of the State, and Spy Game. But somehow, his recent flicks were kinda boring and so-so. Truthfully, when I saw Denzel's and Scott's names on the poster, I thought...hey, you guys again? Gosh, I'm so bored (remember the mediocre Deja vu and Taking Pelham 1,2,3?). Turns out, Unstoppable proved me wrong, this is an enjoyable adrenaline thrilling ride with good 'not-involving any guns' actions scenes. I always like how Scott handles the camera and his editing works, truly a master class for this kind of genre, something like old school combined with MTV video style. He's very good in building the story and the tension slowly, bit by bit, and by the time it's all loose end, the tension never drops.
Another reason which makes Unstoppable is even much better, is the great chemistry between Denzel and Chris. Denzel has always been Denzel, he can almost fit in to any role, while Chris Pine has been benefited from his previous Captain Kirk role. I guess he's mature enough not to maintain his boyish look and choose lousy rom-com flicks. Rosario Dawson is a also a good addition for the supporting cast (well, you gotta have ONE female character at least). But, again, the main star of this flick is has to be 'the Beast', the huge loose red train. Somehow I think this thing has more screen time than the main actors, and boy oh boy, every time it passes on your screen with that loud noise, it just gave me a chill. Special mention goes to the sound design of the film, which in a proper theatre with good sound system will set the hall rumbling with the sound of the locomotive.
Unstoppable is not just an action flick without heart. It is nice that Tony Scott tries to show that our heroes are just normal human beings, with their own problems. Frank has just lost his wife, with his daughters are working at Hooters, while Will is in the 'separate' period with his wife, and is on the verge on losing the grip of the family. It's nice to see that these ordinary working-class background people are playing down the typical action heroes script, and rose to the occasion to save thousands lives, even their loved ones. Then, after the opening 20 minutes drama built up, 'the Beast' took over the whole scenes. Scott increases the height of intensity by showing the failure attempts of stopping the train over and over again, as an indication that this unmanned train is able to create a big catastrophic disaster unless someone can be a Superman to stop it.
This is a feature work of Scott's brilliancy: good camera work, low ground shots, blur in movement, close-up action, and a very imaginative use of sound and music (this film can be really loud in parts) – are things that really emphasizes the feeling of locomotive power, speed and imminent destruction. I could swear that my seat was shaking as the train speed increased. The near of total no-CGI scenes adds the gritty realism and adrenaline rush, especially with convincing stunts (Chris Pine did all his action scenes, while Denzel has 7 stuntmen). Some people may not enjoy Scott's trademark of shaky cam, but in my opinion, it's an impressive approach, doesn't feel monotonous and stagnant.
It's a good feeling to enjoy this movie, and what a money well spent. In a world where CGI is too overrated and overused, Tony Scott decides to go back to old school with real stunts and real action scenes. No villain, no terrorist, no drugs, no murder, no torture, no naked girls...it's a safe movie for all. Finally, a first worthy successor for Speed.
My Rating: 8.5/10
No comments:
Post a Comment