Logging

Film: Unstoppable

Perhaps I'm just feeling generous in the putrid aftermath of Scott Pilgrim, but I rather liked Unstoppable. It was simple storytelling and - for a Tony Scott movie - restrained. The best moment in the movie is around the midpoint where you learn (spoiler alert) Denzel has already been fired from his job. Suddenly, we realize the movie at least spent a half second thinking about older male obsolescence in the labor force. Of course, it doesn't brow beat the point and barely scratches the surface of the issue, but at least it strives to touch upon a subject that matters to the real world and real people.

There are a few silly things - I hate the overuse of news announcers in movie scripts and there is a sort of a "why didn't they try that tactic earlier" element to how they eventually resolve the speeding train. But I suppose these can be forgiven...tonight, anyway.

It reminded me of reading or listening Denzel talk about movie making years ago and how he brings a level of hard work and dedication to his craft. He talks about people working hard in their jobs during the week and how they deserve to get their money's worth when they go the movies on a Friday night. Denzel doesn't always hit home runs, but he generally doesn't strike out either. Like Crimson Tide and Training Day before this, he seems to be attracted to mano v. mano in the workplace stories - pitting an experienced elder with a cocky protege. Something about such stories must appeal to the man -- above and beyond the actor.

Why doesn't he work with Michael Mann someday?