Unstoppable (2010, PG-13)

Unstoppable is a fine example of how a movie doesn’t have to be all-round great, but can nevertheless be a very good popcorn flick.  It’s the fifth collaboration between director Tony Scott and lead actor Denzel Washington.

            Unstoppable is loosely based off of the CSX 8888 train incident in 2001.  For the movie, more heroics and drama are put in to obviously make a better movie.

            The film takes place in Pennsylvania, where Frank Barnes (Denzel Washington) and Will Colson (Chris Pine), work for the first time together on a train, picking up cars along the way.  Meanwhile, a train stretching a half mile wide goes off on its own when its air brakes are disconnected, the controls go to full throttle, and it starts speeding out of control down the train track.  Eight of the train’s cars carry dangerous molten phenol, which pose a danger to a town should the train go off track.  After numerous attempts to stop the train fail, it’s up to Barnes and Colson to intercept the train and stop it.  Along the way, they share with each other stories going on in their families: Barnes’ wife died four years ago of cancer, and is in a rocky relationship with his daughters, while Colson is estranged from his wife and young son.

            Unstoppable is predictable after the first fifteen minutes, but somehow it nevertheless stays suspenseful throughout.  We are also given a few nice scenery shots of the urban and rural landscapes.    

            I liked Unstoppable because it’s a great movie when we consider it by its entertainment and appeal as a popcorn flick.  Washington, however, gives the only real strong performance in the film, and Scott has still yet to prove to me that he’s a great movie director.

            Essentially, Unstoppable is an hour and a half thrill ride, which attempts at going deep into its characters but only partially succeeds.  It’s easily forgettable some time after you watch it, but it’s nevertheless quite entertaining when you are watching it.  It doesn't offer much in terms of being a great cinematic expierence, but when we are looking for a short, intense, exhilarating flick to go see, then Unstoppable gives it’s all.

                                     *** ½/5