Rating: 7/10
Starting off slow, then slowly gaining momentum, and then going full speed, explains both how the train, and the film, gathers it's title, Unstoppable. The film begins with Dewey (Ethan Suplee) making numerous careless mistakes moving a freight train to a clear track, and then leaving the moving train to throw a misaligned reail switch along the train's path. After getting off the train though, he's not able to climb onto the train, as the throttle jumps from the idle position into full power. And here, our movie begins.
The story is told from several different perspectives, but the one that is the most gripping involves engineer Frank Barnes (Denzel Washington) and conductor Will Colson (Chris Pine). Barnes, being a longtime engineer man, is given the task of breaking in Colson, who is only 4 months on the job. While these two are having their own issues with their train, we're presented to the actions taking place in the station yard, with yard master Connie Hooper (Rosario Dawson) who's in charge of dispatch and operations.
As news of the runaway freight train picks up, Connie is trying to think of the best solution to avoid thousands of people being affected, as we find out that the train is carrying hazardous materials. On the other hand, executive Galvin (Kevin Dunn) is only concerned with the amount of money that'll be lost with the destruction of the train.
As far as the action sequences go, they are over the top, a bit ridiculous at times, but truly amazing and definitely kept the story interesting and suspenseful. The one sequence that will definitely be the highlight of the film for many viewers, including myself, would be the chase scene of the runaway train. I won't reveal anything involving this scene since it's one that you really have to watch for yourself.
Now with a film like this, there isn't much wiggle room to try and develop the characters. And yet, screenwriter Mark Bomback manages to do a fantastic job with the limited space that was given. Pine and Washington are both shown to be drastically different characters, Washington loving the job he's doing while Pine tends to be more of a cynical asshole, but when it comes down to it, we see the characters for who they really are when the circumstances allow it.
Unstoppable definitely brings something new to the action genre, and it will keep you on the edge of your seat. It will demand your full attention, since if you look away, you'll end up missing something big. And the last thing you would want is to be struck by a freight train when you least expect it.
