UNSTOPPABLE

This film is based on a real event in which a freight train went out of control with no driver on board.  Naturally the freight includes some highly toxic and flammable chemicals and it is only a matter of a couple of hours before the hurtling train will come off the rails in a heavily populated area (where else?), endangering many lives.

It’s a straightforward story which Tony Scott directs capably, without too much embellishment. He is assisted by a decent screenplay which keeps things moving, and by Denzel Washington and Chris Pine enjoying themselves as a driver and conductor who end up as the heroes.  The supporting cast is solid as well.

To add some drama Washington’s character has been served with redundancy papers a few weeks previously, and Pine’s character is having marital problems.  Thankfully these issues don’t get in the way of the unfolding excitement.

The screenplay neatly uses the media coverage to fill us in on various expository details without the pace dropping. 

Given that the events of the film take place in a compressed time-frame there's not much opportunity to really ratchet up the tension, but there’s no denying that the film delivers what the title promises.

RATING: ✓ If You've Nothing Better To Do