Money Train (1995)

Directed by Joseph Ruben, the 1995 action-thriller *Money Train* hurtles through the chaotic, subterranean world of the New York City subway system. Starring Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson as foster brothers and transit cops John and Charlie, the film kicks into high gear when Charlie, increasingly desperate and vengeful, decides to execute an audacious plan: steal a trainload of the very subway fares they're sworn to protect. This daring heist sets in motion a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game, forcing John into a difficult position as he tries to both protect his erratic brother and uphold the law, creating a thrilling and explosive ride beneath the streets of New York. While often overshadowed by his more psychological thrillers like *The Stepfather* or *Sleeping with the Enemy*, *Money Train* deserves its place among Joseph Ruben's best for demonstrating his masterful command of high-stakes tension and character-driven suspense within a large-scale action framework. Ruben expertly choreographs the intricate subway heist and subsequent pursuit, turning the confined, labyrinthine tunnels of the NYC underground into a claustrophobic pressure cooker. He elevates the material beyond a simple buddy-cop actioner by infusing it with the moral dilemmas, escalating peril, and a sense of characters trapped by their circumstances—hallmarks of his filmography. The film showcases Ruben's versatility, proving he could orchestrate blockbuster action with the same precision he applied to intimate psychological dread, making it a dynamic and often overlooked entry in his impressive oeuvre.