This edge-of-your-seat action yarn finds veteran railwayman Denzel Washington and rookie conductor Chris Pine racing against the clock to stop an unmanned runaway train loaded with toxic chemicals derailing near a densely populated town. As their own engine attempts to catch up with what office-bound controller Rosario Dawson describes as "a missile the size of the Chrysler building", the men are forced to put aside their differences (one is being forced into retirement, the other is to all intents and purposes replacing him) and work as a team. Known for the over-the-top bluster of his action fests, director Tony Scott shows considerable restraint (although not with his budget - this cost an estimated $100 million), focusing as much on the lives of his characters as their white-knuckle predicament. The high-octane train sequences are staged with increasingly nail-biting tension, admirably shot without reverting to computer-generated trickery. But the never-ending faux news footage does get a bit tiresome.

When a massive, unmanned locomotive roars out of control, the threat is more ominous than just a derailment. The train is laden with toxic chemicals, and an accident would decimate human life and cause an environmental disaster. The only hope of bringing the train to a safe stop is in the hands of veteran engineer Frank Barnes, and young conductor Will Colson, who must risk their lives to save those in the runaway's path. Inspired by true events.