Just like me, half of the reviewers love this movie for being a suspensful thriller, and an overall good acting on behalf of the main characters.

And just like me, half of the reviewers disdain this movie for too many US-stereotypes and implausibilities.

This Movie feels like one of those Classic thriller Movies of the 90s. In a positive sense that is. It's a not so complicated approach to a thriller, the stakes are fairly easy to get in to and, in general, the Movie doesn't spend too much time on potentially unnecessary details - i.e. not bloating.

However, and this is in regards to some of the other Reviews for instance the Roger Ebert one, this is not a thriller from hell nor does it provide a hellish suspense. At times, although the positives above, the movie can feel a bit slow on the negative side. There are some characters that are too stereotyped, although well played. This include Kate Maras character Abby but also that of henchman Kolzak, played by Thomas Kretschmann. And the late transformation of Emily Mortimer's character, from liar to truthsayer is somewhat of a miss.

Overall it is a movie worth giving a look. The locations are interesting and apart from the above mentioned it is well played and will provide enough suspense for a cosy evening with your favourite company. I have not been frightened enough to abandon the idea of going on the train myself.

I recently saw 'Session 9' and was so impressed with it I decided to check out some of writer/director Brad Anderson's other work, starting with 'Transsiberian'. The synopsis sounded interesting enough and it had an impressive cast, so i thought it would be a good place to start. Sadly, it wasn't up to the same standard as 'Session 9'. It wasn't a horror movie obviously, so some change was to be expected, but the problem was it lacked all the same brilliance in the mystery department that that film managed to achieve. There was enough going on here, yet it all felt very bland and run-of-the-mill. It felt like something we have seen 100 times before, whereas 'Session 9' felt completely unique, fresh and exhilarating.

The characters were very bland (intentionally, I suspect) which made things realistic, but boring at the same time. So then it falls on the story to carry the load. Unfortunately, the story was very predictable and bland itself at times. I kept hoping all wasn't as it seemed, and that we were going to be hit with a twist out of left field that we never saw coming. It was not to be though and everything that I suspected was coming, eventually came - it just took a while to get there.

It wasn't all bad though. The acting, as you'd anticipate with such a strong cast, was excellent from all concerned. It's also a beautifully shot film. A lot of the scenery is quite beautiful and never lets you forget the harsh environment this film is set in. Anderson seems to have a real talent for having great cinematography and settings in his films. At the end of the day though these factors aren't enough to keep this from being anything more than just you average and rather forgettable thriller.