It is generally safe to say that–as a movie buff–remakes are the bane of my existence. In this age of DVDs and Blu-ray, if the filmmakers got it right once, why make it again? “Bedazzled,” “The Producers,” “King Kong” and “Psycho,” who needs a remake?

There are always exceptions to any rule. I mean, “His Girl Friday” was far superior to 1931’s “The Front Page.” “Chicago” was way better than “Roxie Hart” with Ginger Rogers.

The remake of “The Taking of Pelham 123” seems to find a new niche for itself. It is a good movie; it just stacks up oddly against its 1974 predecessor, which, frankly, was a bit of a forgotten gem.

The premise of both films is the same. Bad guys take over a New York subway train. They hold it hostage and deal mainly with a good guy at the control center. Meanwhile, the main good guy and other good guys try to stop them.

The original 1974 version of the film beats the 2009 remake on story and characters. The 2009 rendition kicks 1974’s butt when it comes to action sequences, special effects and cinematography.

The original stars Walter Matthau as the good guy and Robert Shaw as the bad guy. The modern film casts Denzel Washington and John Travolta in the same roles.

Matthau is a terse, smart and wisecracking New Yorker. The supporting good guys are rude, obnoxious and, well, generally New Yorky. Shaw played a meticulous villain with no pity or remorse. His cohorts were lower functioning and a little stereotypical.

Washington is the best thing in the modern version. He is an intelligent every man who is much softer and more caring than Matthau’s edgy persona. Unlike the original character/movie Washington’s character is also an admitted bribe-taking public official. That seems a bit out of character for the character he’s playing. It dilutes the integrity of the character whose integrity should be beyond reproach. This isn’t supposed to be film noir, and the rest of the film avoids noir themes.

Travolta is erratic. His henchmen don’t have personalities or even roles, really. Shaw’s henchmen were crucial players in the heist. Each contributed a skill. Each has a personality that sets things off or creates rifts within the group. Their cohesion is tenuous. It builds greater tension.

For me, tension is the lynch pin that holds a move such as “The Taking of Pelham 123″ together. If I want pure action and the latest marvels in CGI, I’ll watch “G.I. Joe” or the new “Transformers.”

There’s tension in the remake, but there’s TENSION in the original. The 1974 version has a greater battle of wits and psychology. Both sides are roiling with turmoil. Even the bit players have greater significance and personality…which builds more tension. You care more if they get hurt.

Then again with the original you are stuck with virtually no effects, poor-quality ’70s’ film stock and such antiquated train technology you are left to wonder how New York managed to run a subway system.

Ultimately, it is just a matter of personal taste. While my tastes lean toward the original film, you should really watch them both and decide for yourself.