Money Train Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two transit cops, one with a gambling problem and the other with a thing for J.Lo, decide to rob a train full of cash because their boss is a jerk, resulting in chaos and a very uncomfortable Christmas.

🍿 Money Train: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to John and Charlie

John (Wesley Snipes) and Charlie (Woody Harrelson) are foster brothers and transit cops in New York City. John is responsible and level-headed, while Charlie is a gambling addict constantly in debt. They work together patrolling the subway system, often going undercover to catch petty criminals.

Charlie’s Mounting Debt and Desperation

Charlie’s gambling debts spiral out of control, leading him to owe a significant amount to a dangerous loan shark. He faces constant harassment and physical violence, pushing him to the brink. His desperation grows as he struggles to find a way out of his financial predicament. He considers increasingly risky options, including robbing the “Money Train.”

The Money Train Plot is Hatched

Driven by his desperation and anger at their ruthless boss, Donald Patterson (Robert Blake), Charlie plans to rob the Money Train, a subway train that carries the entire system’s daily revenue. John initially refuses to participate, knowing the risks and potential consequences. As Charlie’s situation worsens and Patterson continues to abuse his authority, John is forced to reconsider.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• John (Wesley Snipes): A responsible transit cop and foster brother who tries to keep his gambling-addicted brother out of trouble.
• Charlie Robinson (Woody Harrelson): A transit cop with a severe gambling problem who plans to rob the Money Train.
• Grace Santiago (Jennifer Lopez): A transit cop and the object of affection for both John and Charlie.
• Donald Patterson (Robert Blake): The ruthless and bigoted transit authority chief obsessed with the Money Train’s schedule.
• Torch (Chris Cooper): A pyromaniac who terrorizes the subway system by pushing people in front of trains and burning token booths.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Donald Patterson: “Did I say that? I didn’t say that! All I said was… bad things tend to happen around you two.” – Patterson says this when implying that John and Charlie are responsible for missing money.
• Donald Patterson: “That’s what we live with.” – Patterson’s callous response when informed of potential civilian casualties, highlighting his ruthlessness.
• Charlie: “I’m gonna rob the money train!” – Charlie blurts out this ambitious plan when feeling backed into a corner.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $68,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $35,431,113
• Worldwide Gross: $35,431,113

💥 Money Train Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, I’ll admit, Money Train isn’t a cinematic masterpiece, but I have soft spot for it! Seeing Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson together again brought back so many memories of White Men Can’t Jump, and their on-screen chemistry is undeniable, even if the plot is a bit ridiculous. The whole ‘money train’ heist is so over-the-top, but I can’t help but enjoy the chaotic energy. I always crack up when Robert Blake’s character goes on his tirades! This is more of a fun action film than a movie I’d sit down and call art.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson”
  • “Viewers interested in action-comedy films”
  • “Those looking for a 90s crime thriller”
  • “People who enjoy morally ambiguous stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Gambling themes”
  • “Brief sexuality”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Money Train’s attempt to recapture the White Men Can’t Jump magic is admirable but ultimately falls flat, though it makes you appreciate the movie experience. Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson deliver charismatic performances, but the script lacks the necessary wit and compelling narrative to make this more than just a watchable buddy cop film. Robert Blake, playing the transit boss, has an amazing performance.
• RogerEbert.com: “While Snipes and Harrelson have chemistry, Money Train is dragged down by a predictable plot, a reliance on excessive violence, and a tone that veers too wildly between comedy and gritty realism. Though overall the film is a disappointing buddy action movie, Robert Blake gave an exceptional performance that elevated the scenes he was in.

Audience Reactions

Snipes and Harrelson’s banter is hilarious and makes the movie worth watching.: The film’s entertainment value comes from the cast.

The action sequences are ridiculous but entertaining, providing some exciting moments.: The movie delivers on its promise of high-octane action, making it an enjoyable popcorn flick.

Overall Consensus: Money Train is a flawed but entertaining action-comedy. Snipes and Harrelson’s dynamic saves the film, while the predictable plot and over-the-top action make it a decent but forgettable watch. Robert Blake gives a good performance. It’s a good action movie if you want something to watch.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film sparked controversy after a similar incident to one depicted in the movie occurred in real life, where a ticket booth was set on fire.”
• “Chris Cooper later expressed regret over his role in the film due to the controversy surrounding the depiction of violence.”

🖥️ How to Watch Money Train?

Money Train is currently available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Money Train, you might like these similar films:

• White Men Can’t Jump (1992): Reunites Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson with similar buddy dynamic.
• Bad Boys (1995): Features a similar action-comedy dynamic between two police officers.
• The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974): Features a brazen robbery of a New York City subway train.
• Ocean’s Eleven (2001): Focuses on an elaborate heist and the team dynamic.

🛒 Money Train Related Products

• White Men Can’t Jump (Blu-ray): Relive the magic of Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson’s first blockbuster hit. Enjoy this comedy masterpiece in high definition, showcasing their iconic chemistry and hilarious basketball antics.
• NYPD Subway Transit Police Patch Replica: Own a piece of New York transit history with this detailed replica of the NYPD Subway Transit Police patch. Made with high-quality materials, it’s a perfect addition to any movie memorabilia collection.
• Action Figures: Get collectable action figures based on the characters from the movie. They make a great purchase for children and collectors.

🎧 Soundtrack

Money Train features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Train Is Coming” – performed by Shaggy featuring Ken Boothe
• “Big Poppa” – performed by The Notorious B.I.G.
• “Ruckus” – performed by M.O.P.

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

New York’s Lost Money Train

Did you know Money Train was based on a real thing? This video dives into the fascinating history of the actual NYC subway ‘money train’ and how it operated. It’s crazy to think about how much cash was transported this way!

✨ Rate