Well-written movies don’t need CGI or sex to be interesting

I just saw the movie “Unstoppable” with Chris Pine and Denzel Washington, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Admittedly, I am very much a fan of railroading, and remember the original incident that this was based on.

According to an article on the movie and the original incident, the entire movie was produced without computer-generated special effects. The trains and locomotives were real, and the sounds came from actual railway equipment. I didn’t feel like this hampered the excitement level, but rather enhanced it.

Another thing I greatly appreciated was the lack of a sex scene. Repeat after me: if a movie has to throw in a sex scene just to get people to see it, it’s not a good movie. Period. Too many movies now include a totally gratuitous sex scene that adds nothing to the plot, just gives the hot actress a chance to show off what she’s got. The closest they get is the train engineer’s daughters working at Hooters. Yes, the outfits are racy, but no sexual act is shown. That’s a good thing, and I appreciate it.

A bit of a caveat: profanity is used throughout the movie, especially bodily functions, but it also has God’s name taken in vain. While I dislike hearing those words in the movie, it is quite appropriate. Some of the railroaders I’ve met are quite familiar with those words, and use them whenever possible.

I doubt anyone in Hollywood will ever see this post, but if they do, let me sum this up: I enjoyed this movie that did not have an unnecessary sex scene and did not have unnecessary computer-generated special effects, but did have good writing and acting. More movies like this, please!