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'Unstoppable:' An enjoyable film until it stops

By Katy Wagner

Published Nov. 20, 2010

There are a few facts that are accepted as absolute truths: cats hate everyone, the bread will always fall jelly side down and Denzel Washington is the most watchable man that has ever existed on the face of the Earth. With “Unstoppable,” director Tony Scott cashes in on that fact. He also adds some formidable action scenes to give us the frivolous blockbuster summer of 2010 was missing.

The premise for “Unstoppable” is about as vanilla as they come: A freight train saddled with tons of toxic chemicals takes off without a driver thanks to that goofy kid from “Remember the Titans” (obviously not Denzel). If no one stops it, it’s just a matter of time before it derails in a highly populated area, causing the biggest catastrophe Pennsylvania has ever seen. Seasoned train engineer Frank (obviously Denzel) and rookie conductor Will (Chris Pine) soon risk their lives for the happy ending. Tack on an “Inspired By True Events” and you’ve got yourself a classic action movie.

The first gift in making “Unstoppable,” a great flick to waste some time on, is the magnetic A-List cast. Of course, Denzel works his begrudging mentor mode with finesse and charisma. Rosario Dawson is equally likeable as she screams insults into phones and points vigorously at the route chart. Pine once again shows up as the rookie with an indignant attitude and gruff charm then showcases why he is a growing force in Hollywood. Not to mention the fact that the three main characters aren’t too bad to look at for an hour and a half.

What really brings “Unstoppable” out of you’re typical brainless action movie fare is the direction of Tony Scott. Although quick camera work, bright lights and deep focus are nothing new to the action genre, Scott perfected it in 1998 with “Enemy of the State.” His subsequent films have been increasingly bloated and jumbled (save for 2004’s “Man On Fire,” also staring Denzel), but Mark Bomback’s script for “Unstoppable” brought a great amount concise coherency to Scott’s ADHD brand of cinema.

The interesting part of the “Unstoppable” story is that, for the most part, it is actually true to life. It is based on the infamous CSX Crazy Eights incident, in which an unmanned train with toxic chemicals did in fact barrel through Pennsylvania for two hours. The story is understandably dramatized and rightfully so. The relationships between Frank and Will — as well as Frank and the train company — allow for the film’s most powerful content. There is a clear dissection of generational divides and corporate lay-offs at work here.

It might be in the truth of the events that causes the film’s downfall. The film trudges through its exposition and teeters into boredom, and the end almost robs itself of climax. When the film finally hits its stride, you can’t help but enjoy the hell out of it. These small slip-ups aside, “Unstoppable” is a great action flick and definitely worth a rental fee, if not a movie theater ticket.