Movie Review - 'Takers'

Takers Starring Matt Dillon, T.I., and Idris Elba Directed by John Luessenhop Rated R

Aptly named, Takers is a story about a group of guys who take things. Creative right? Well, if the title itself isn’t enough of a tip-off as to how dull and lack-luster the writing is, then here are some examples of lines delivered by the classic, two-dimensional, cop character, Jack Wells, played by Matt Dillon: “That’ll make catching these guys that much sweeter.” and “C-4, blasting caps… yeah. These guys are definitely up to something.” Excuse the lack eloquence when I say that deserves a big, fat “duh!” It also doesn’t help that Matt Dillon’s performance looks like a parody of his brother’s character, Johnny Drama, on Entourage.

As for the story, it’s pretty much your average heist movie. The five thieves with hearts of gold, start out the film with a great haul, and are the best of friends. Enter Ghost, their ex-partner who has recently been released early from prison, played by rapper T.I., who has information on an armored truck that will be carrying twenty-five million dollars through downtown Los Angeles. Though the group is unsure about whether or not they can trust their old comrade, they decide to go through with the heist and begin preparation. I don’t want to spoil the ending for you, but I will tell you, it won’t come as a big surprise.

What is a big surprise, however, is that it took four guys to write this film. The dialogue is so incredibly sophomoric and indulgent that it is hard to take the film seriously, even when people are getting killed. The characters lack any real dimension, leaving their interpersonal relationships uninteresting and themselves unsympathetic.

Every gray cloud has to have a silver lining though, right? The action sequences in Takers are superb. Editor Armen Minasian’s skill and quick, punchy style, along with the A-plus stunt team, created a hand full of truly brilliant fight and chase scenes that will have you biting your nails, and feeling the punches. Cinematographer Michael Barrett also deserves a big thumbs-up. The richness and depth with which this film is shot almost makes up for the unskilled dialogue. No, really, it almost does. If it hadn’t been for T.I.’s performance, it may have completely. Unfortunately, however, T.I.’s two-faced, ex-con, bad guy would have been better suited for a daytime-TV super-villain.

There are, however, some redeeming performances in this film: Michael Ealy and Idris Elba found a way to make the script work for them, and managed to develop some well-rounded characters as two members of the heist crew. Jay Hernandez achieves the same goal, despite the odds, as Matt Dillon’s cop partner, Eddie Hatcher. Marianne Jean-Baptiste also deserves an honorable mention for her portrayal of a recovering drug addict whose relapse inadvertently puts the ‘Takers’’ mission in peril.

In sum, this is a very well made film with some pretty unskilled actors and obviously amateur writers. Though the film isn’t what I would call unwatchable, I still extend my apologies to director John Leussenhop, you just can’t polish a turd.

Comments

[Novosti Kino]

Thnx for very interesting and well-written review. :)

[ScorpioN]

Thanks for your sharing ..

[Casey Robert]

This movie is awesome with a bunch of good actors they made it work. If you want a good movie, full of action and fun, you must see it. You will not be disappointed. If you want to see some good acting-do not skip this.