Unstoppable

Entertaining action thriller about two men who attempt to stop an unmanned, runaway train before it crashes and explodes from its toxic cargo.  This is a fun, energetic picture that flies by at a breezy 98 minutes. It’s nice to see  Tony Scott return to form, who hasn’t directed a film this good since Enemy of the State, over a decade ago.  His loud, visually chaotic style actually benefits the material here.  If there is a problem, it’s that the story is populated with utterly conventional characters.  Denzel Washington is Frank Barnes, the wizened railroad engineer, a 28 year veteran employee who’s always right.  Actor Chris Pine plays the young, rookie train conductor.  Although Frank resents his inexperience,  they must work together to save the day.  We even get the unethical railroad executive, predictably more concerned with the negative effects on stock prices than human lives.  In spite of this, the plot still holds your attention.  It’s that archetypal summer flick, not monumental, but a satisfying waste of time.  Fun Fact: Director Tony Scott first worked with Denzel Washington in 1995’s Crimson Tide and this marks their 5th collaboration together.