From Deseret News archives:

'Transsiberian' smart, suspenseful

Published: Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008 3:04 p.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
TRANSSIBERIAN — *** — Emily Mortimer, Woody Harrelson, Ben Kingsley; with English subtitles (Russian dialects); rated R (violence, profanity, gore, torture, drugs, brief sex, vulgarity)

"Transsiberian" has more twists and turns in it than the real-life, extensive train route that gives this independently produced suspense-thriller its name.

Admittedly, that unpredictable, bobbing-and-weaving plot element becomes a little wearying, and things get pretty nasty and vicious toward the end.

And it should be noted that the film is certainly not up to the standards of such train-bound classics as Alfred Hitchcock's 1951 masterpiece "Strangers on a Train." But it is refreshing to see a thriller that has some smarts and thrills.

The movie follows Roy and Jessie (Woody Harrelson and Emily Mortimer), a married couple who just finished work on a charitable mission in China.

Train enthusiast Roy has convinced Jessie that they should take a scenic rail trip through Mongolia and Russia. The early part of this journey has the expected minor squabbling, though that improves when the couple is joined by free-spirited fellow travelers Carlos and Abby (Eduardo Noriega and Kate Mara).

Story continues below
However, Jessie is convinced there's something sinister — or at least duplicitous — about the charismatic Carlos. Her suspicions appear to be confirmed when Roy disappears after taking a quick jaunt with Carlos during a scheduled train stop.

Co-screenwriter/director Brad Anderson complicates things with a subplot about a possibly corrupt Russian cop (Ben Kingsley). But this comes into play, heavily, later in the film.

As far as the performances are concerned, Kingsley's accent slips a little here and there, and Harrelson's Roy is a little too squeaky-clean to be believed. But Mortimer is terrific as a former wild-child, and Noriega ("Vantage Point") adds some sinister shadings to his character.

Also, there's a very good supporting turn from Mara. We're not sure where her character stands in all this, and the revelation at the end is a good one.

"Transsiberian" is rated R for strong scenes of violence (a beating, knife violence, vehicular mayhem and violence against women), strong sexual language (profanity and other suggestive talk), some gore and blood, a scene depicting torture, drug references and content (narcotics), a brief sex scene and other sexual contact (mostly overheard). Running time: 111 minutes.


E-mail: jeff@desnews.com

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

previousnext

Latest comments

RIP. My heart goes to his family.

Amy, what a great article. You get it. Keep up the good work.

Paul Krueger's pick in tonight's NFL game looked a lot like his pick of Max...

Way to go Haley!!! Hope to see you playing for the U!

Max Hall issues apology

Of course he doesn't mean it, but kudos for trying to make up for heated...

Why don't ya all keep your comments to the game of football. I agree that...

Letters: Taxing rich doesn't help

Many (most) of us started our careers in hourly non-benefited jobs. That's...

Max Hall issues apology

I got tired of all the "hate" of the Ute fans at RES several years ago and...

Max Hall issues apology

I graduated from both the U and the Y. I choose to cheer for the U because...

I'm a huge byu fan but I am sadly disappointed in the way Hall let his anger...

Advertisements