Saw "Unstoppable" when it opened yesterday. It's a great action film, well-acted and exciting right through to the climax. What it isn't is a railroad "documentary". The film is loaded with things that would never happen in a real railroad setting - like veteran engineer Denzel Washington stepping on a rail as he walks to his locomotive. Conductor Chris Pine steps between cars to couple up without asking for and receiving "three step" protection, radio procedure is "unorthodox" to say the least, etc., etc. And the scene where the big GE's roll around a curve tipping up on one rail is simply a Hollywood fantasy.

Foamers and professional railroaders will feel superior when they spot these elements, but the general public will never notice. They'll love the slam-bang action that "Unstoppable" delivers. I think the film will be a hit.