Money Train (1995) is an action-thriller with a buddy-cop twist, directed by Joseph Ruben and starring Wesley Snipes, Woody Harrelson, and Jennifer Lopez. Mixing high-speed chases, brotherly tension, and 90s humor, it’s a ride through New York’s underground—literally.
Detailed Summary
Opening: Brothers on the Beat
John (Wesley Snipes) and Charlie (Woody Harrelson) are two transit cops working in the New York City subway system. Though not related by blood, they grew up together in foster care and share a brotherly bond—complete with rivalry, sarcasm, and occasional brawls. Charlie is the reckless one; John is the responsible, level-headed counterpart. Their partnership, however, is under constant strain due to Charlie’s gambling debts and impulsive behavior.
The “Money Train”
The film’s title refers to the heavily armored subway car that collects revenue from stations across the city—the “Money Train.” It’s an irresistible symbol of temptation for Charlie, especially as his life starts spiraling out of control due to debt. The train is protected by tough transit security and overseen by their cold, smug boss, Donald Patterson (played by Robert Blake), who makes their lives miserable.
The Arrival of Grace Santiago
Enter Grace Santiago (Jennifer Lopez), a newly assigned transit officer. Both John and Charlie are instantly drawn to her, adding romantic tension to their already competitive relationship. Grace quickly proves she’s more than just a pretty face—she’s smart, capable, and unafraid to stand up to the two brothers.
The Torch Killer
While the movie focuses heavily on the brotherly conflict, there’s also a dangerous subplot involving a man nicknamed the “Torch” (played by Chris Cooper), an arsonist who attacks token booths. John and Charlie confront him early in the film, leading to a dramatic subway chase that ends with the Torch being burned alive after an explosive confrontation.
Charlie’s Breaking Point
As Charlie’s gambling debts pile up, loan sharks begin to threaten him. Patterson humiliates both brothers after a mission gone wrong, pushing Charlie closer to the edge. His resentment toward the system—and Patterson in particular—boils over, leading him to a dangerous decision: to rob the Money Train.
John tries to talk him out of it, but Charlie goes ahead, donning a Santa Claus disguise and boarding the train. When John realizes Charlie is serious, he decides to follow him, unwilling to let his brother destroy himself.
Movie Ending
The climax unfolds in a high-octane chase sequence beneath New York City. Charlie successfully boards the Money Train, but Patterson orders the train to be locked down, sending security forces after him. John catches up and tries to stop Charlie, leading to a heated argument about loyalty, life, and freedom.
In the chaos, the train’s brakes are damaged, turning it into an unstoppable juggernaut hurtling through the tunnels. The brothers are forced to work together to avoid disaster. In a tense sequence, they decouple the cars and narrowly escape moments before the Money Train crashes into the end of the tunnel.
Afterward, Patterson arrives furious, blaming them for the crash. But poetic justice prevails—his beloved train is wrecked, and the brothers walk away. As they leave the scene, John discovers that Charlie actually managed to swipe a few bags of cash before the crash. Despite his initial anger, John smiles, realizing that his brother finally got his win.
The film ends with the two brothers walking away together, bickering as usual, but with their bond stronger than ever.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Money Train does not have any post-credits scenes. The story concludes neatly with the final sequence, and the credits roll immediately after the brothers’ exit.
Type of Movie
Money Train is a buddy cop action-thriller infused with comedy and heist elements. It mixes street-smart banter, brotherly rivalry, and classic 90s action tropes, creating a fast-paced and gritty New York adventure.
Cast
- Wesley Snipes as John
- Woody Harrelson as Charlie
- Jennifer Lopez as Grace Santiago
- Robert Blake as Donald Patterson
- Chris Cooper as The Torch
- Joe Grifasi as Riley
- Vincent Laresca as Subway Thug
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by Mark Mancina, known for his work on Speed and Bad Boys. His music perfectly complements the film’s intensity, combining percussion-heavy action beats with urban jazz undertones. The soundtrack captures both the tension of the subway chases and the lighthearted moments between the brothers.
Filming Locations
Money Train was primarily filmed in New York City, specifically within the NYC Subway System. Key scenes were shot at decommissioned stations and custom-built tunnel sets in Los Angeles. The authenticity of these locations enhances the movie’s claustrophobic, gritty feel, grounding its outlandish plot in a tangible urban environment.
Awards and Nominations
The movie didn’t win any major awards, but it received recognition for its practical stunts and set design. It also drew attention during the 1990s for its impressive subway crash sequence, which was one of the most technically challenging action scenes of its era.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson were already friends from White Men Can’t Jump, making their chemistry effortless.
- The subway crash scene required an enormous set built specifically for the film; no CGI was used.
- Jennifer Lopez was relatively new to acting and reportedly performed many of her own stunts.
- Robert Blake, who played the villainous Patterson, often stayed in character off set, making him intimidating even when cameras weren’t rolling.
- The production faced backlash from NYC authorities who worried that the film’s plot might inspire real-life subway crimes.
Inspirations and References
The concept of the “money train” is based on a real New York City Transit tradition, where trains carried fare money from stations to collection centers. While the movie’s plot is fictional, the real system’s secrecy inspired the heist premise.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Early drafts of the script reportedly had Charlie dying during the crash, with John walking away alone. Test audiences found the ending too bleak, so the filmmakers reshot it to emphasize reconciliation. A few extended dialogue scenes between John and Grace were also trimmed to maintain pacing.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The movie is not based on a book, though it borrows heavily from classic buddy-cop formulas and 80s-90s heist tropes rather than a specific literary source.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The Torch attacking a subway booth and being stopped by John and Charlie.
- Charlie’s impulsive decision to rob the Money Train.
- The unstoppable-train climax and the brothers working together to survive.
- The final moment when John realizes Charlie still managed to grab the cash.
Iconic Quotes
- Charlie: “I’m not stealing. I’m reclaiming what the city owes me.”
- John: “You always find a way to drag me down with you, man.”
- Grace: “You two are like kids fighting over a toy nobody wants.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- In one subway scene, a poster for White Men Can’t Jump can be spotted in the background—a nod to Snipes and Harrelson’s previous collaboration.
- The number “23” appears frequently on train cars and badges, reportedly a nod to Michael Jordan, a hero of both lead actors.
- The Money Train’s design was based on real transit schematics that were later sealed for security reasons.
Trivia
- The film’s budget exceeded $60 million, a huge figure for the time, mostly due to the elaborate train sets.
- Jennifer Lopez’s role was initially written for Sandra Bullock.
- Woody Harrelson accidentally broke a camera lens during one of the fight scenes.
- The real NYC Transit Authority banned film crews from using active subway tunnels after this production.
Why Watch?
If you enjoy classic 90s buddy-cop chemistry, practical stunts, and old-school action with attitude, Money Train is pure entertainment. It’s a blend of grit, humor, and chaos—anchored by the undeniable charisma of Snipes, Harrelson, and Lopez.
Director’s Other Movies
- The Good Son (1993)
- Sleeping with the Enemy (1991)
- Dreamscape (1984)
- The Forgotten (2004)
Recommended Films for Fans
- White Men Can’t Jump (1992)
- Speed (1994)
- Bad Boys (1995)
- Rush Hour (1998)
- The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
- The Fugitive (1993)
