Action movies in the 1990s were a fascinating cinematic landscape. For every blockbuster that redefined the genre, like Die Hard or Speed, there were countless others that arrived with a bang and quickly faded from memory. Money Train, starring Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson, falls somewhere in between. Reuniting the dynamic duo from White Men Can’t Jump, this 1995 action comedy aimed to deliver more than just explosions, but did it manage to stay on track to become a genre classic?
The film centers on John (Snipes) and Charlie (Harrelson), foster brothers and transit cops in New York City. They are tasked with protecting the money train, which collects fares from the city’s subway system. Their lives are complicated: John is focused and professional, trying to navigate a relationship with Grace (Jennifer Lopez in an early role), while Charlie struggles with a gambling addiction that constantly lands him in trouble. Adding to their woes is their ruthless boss, Patterson (Robert Blake), a man seemingly designed to be disliked. Driven by desperation and a thirst for a better life, Charlie jokingly proposes robbing the money train, a plan that gradually becomes less of a joke and more of a dangerous possibility.
Money Train certainly attempts to inject humor and character drama into the action formula. The chemistry between Snipes and Harrelson is undeniable, and their scenes together are a highlight. They effortlessly bounce off each other, delivering both comedic and dramatic moments with equal conviction. Jennifer Lopez, as Grace, provides a solid performance, portraying a strong and independent woman caught between the two brothers. Robert Blake embodies the antagonistic boss effectively, though his character treads close to caricature at times.
However, while the performances are commendable, Money Train struggles to create truly memorable moments outside of the central duo’s interactions. The plot, while functional, feels somewhat predictable and relies on familiar tropes of the genre. The villain, while unpleasant, lacks the depth and menace to be truly compelling. One can’t help but wonder if Chris Cooper, despite his smaller role as Torch, might have offered a more nuanced and impactful antagonist.
Ultimately, Money Train delivers a reasonably entertaining experience. It’s a solid way to spend a couple of hours if you’re in the mood for 90s action with a comedic edge and appreciate the on-screen rapport of Snipes and Harrelson. However, it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. Despite the best efforts of its talented cast, Money Train doesn’t quite reach the heights of genre classics. It’s a film that tries to be more than the sum of its parts, but unfortunately ends up being just a moderately diverting stop on the action movie line, rather than a destination in itself.
