StunnaKrypto
Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.
Inclubabu
Plot so thin, it passes unnoticed.
FirstWitch
A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.
Chantel Contreras
It is both painfully honest and laugh-out-loud funny at the same time.
jtindahouse
I recently saw 'Session 9' and was so impressed with it I decided to check out some of writer/director Brad Anderson's other work, starting with 'Transsiberian'. The synopsis sounded interesting enough and it had an impressive cast, so i thought it would be a good place to start. Sadly, it wasn't up to the same standard as 'Session 9'. It wasn't a horror movie obviously, so some change was to be expected, but the problem was it lacked all the same brilliance in the mystery department that that film managed to achieve. There was enough going on here, yet it all felt very bland and run-of-the-mill. It felt like something we have seen 100 times before, whereas 'Session 9' felt completely unique, fresh and exhilarating.The characters were very bland (intentionally, I suspect) which made things realistic, but boring at the same time. So then it falls on the story to carry the load. Unfortunately, the story was very predictable and bland itself at times. I kept hoping all wasn't as it seemed, and that we were going to be hit with a twist out of left field that we never saw coming. It was not to be though and everything that I suspected was coming, eventually came - it just took a while to get there.It wasn't all bad though. The acting, as you'd anticipate with such a strong cast, was excellent from all concerned. It's also a beautifully shot film. A lot of the scenery is quite beautiful and never lets you forget the harsh environment this film is set in. Anderson seems to have a real talent for having great cinematography and settings in his films. At the end of the day though these factors aren't enough to keep this from being anything more than just you average and rather forgettable thriller.
NateWatchesCoolMovies
I love movies set on trains. And I loove movies set in the snow. Imagine my excitement when I heard there'd be a movie set on the longest train ride in the world, in one of the largest snowy region in the world. And it didn't disappoint. Transsiberian could have easily descended into action thriller clichés and been a letdown, but every character is well written, the story has bite and depth to it, and although it's a nasty, cold hearted affair, it's not without its sympathies. Woody Harrelson and Emily Mortimer play a vacationing American couple on the transsiberian railway. Harrelson is a naive city bumpkin and plays the role well.. Mortimer is phenomenal, at first seeming like a terrified waif, until we learn bit by bit that she has a few sinister secrets, and is taking a dangerous risk and hiding things from her husband. They meet another couple, played by Kate Mara and Eduardo Noriega, and strike a tenuous, suspenseful bond that leads to violent confrontations and secrets being spilled like blood flying into the snow. Kate Mara is brilliant,striking the perfect balance between edgy and unassuming as an outsider girl who is looking for a way out. Ben Kingsley and Thomas Kretschmann show up as shady Russian narcotics agents, trawling the trains compartments in search of drug smugglers. Kingsley steals the movie with the monstrous characters he creates. This is a ruthless, nasty cop that you just don't want to get in the path of. The film is shot in gorgeous, sweeping white and grey brush strokes, visualizing a desolation and quiet sense of impending danger personified by the vast, cold mountainous landscape. It may not be a perfect film and it falters occasionally, but it's an immensely entertaining genre effort brought to life by its committed actors, it's frank, uncompromising narrative and gorgeous locations that are ever changing as the train meanders through the frozen dreamland of snow, wind and looming, beautiful mountains.
statuskuo
A few things in this movie will frustrate you beyond belief. But nothing really that should make it less effective.I liked this movie enough. If not for some of the set-up, it is an interesting idea that sometimes balances too uneasy on what is common sense and what is reality for the savvy film watchers.While not perfect, I enjoyed watching the story unfold. There are moments of the first meeting of the couple that will have you scratching your head, but is soon forgotten once a plot turn occurs. Some of what we often assume will happen with the story, does turn. And I was a little off-put by Emily Mortimer's portrayal of a "bad girl" turned straight. She seemed to be a little too convenient. And doesn't have a wounded appeal I think it takes to play...really dual roles. The surprises and turns aren't over dramatic. Nor does the story need to be. It has some quiet moments, some very typical moments, and then...you do want to stick around to the end. Not because it finishes strong, but because they do leave a lot on the table.As one other reviewer pointed out, don't dwell on it too long. But as long as you have some time and have exhausted the new releases, this isn't a bad one to pop in and have a look.
Tauren Humnus
Stereotypical, "Russia - bad; USA - good" rubbish. I hated the female main character more than any other written character EVER. (This includes King Joffrey Baratheon from Game of Thrones!). She literally gets away with murder and convinces herself and everyone around her that she is a victim. The end shows the main character telling her murder victim's girlfriend where his body is so she can collect a shitload of cash. This same girl was tortured and beaten because of that main character but hey, water under the bridge. PATHETIC excuse for a film. The entire second half of the film I found myself anticipating the moment that bitch would get a bullet in her face. Alas, that moment never came. Disappointed to say the least!