Savages

Stone relies heavily on voiceover reading clever book he adapts in attempt to reclaim the violent crime throne stolen by Tarantino in the 90s.  Johnson proves versatility while Kitsch laments loss of business and career.  Hayek and Benicio are both two insincere to be truly savage.  Fun, but nothing new.

The Punisher

Thomas Jane punishes Travolta for killing his family and aging so well. He becomes anti-Batman and delivers brilliantly cruel punishment to… well, everyone. He encounters an apartment occupied by a punk, an obese comedian, and a supermodel, but leaves to go on a killing rampage that ends with satisfying cheese.

The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009)

Baby-Scott eases up on the epilepsy as Travolta Swordfishes a subway car. Well executed high-concept film compensates for action free segments with high doses of tension. Generally good, but hurt by annoying co-worker, excessive accounting lingo, bad driving from the NYPD designed to generate action, and sentimental 1980s closing freeze-frame.