Taking Too Much?
Robbers have always fascinated movie going audiences. From Bonnie And Clyde to Point Break and Robin Hood to Public Enemies, we have went to the theaters in droves to watch people “take” from others. Some of the criminals have been sympathetic figures that we find ourselves identifying with and yet others we can’t wait to see get their due.
In Takers, we meet a crew of high-class criminals that have patiently acquired great wealth. The crew knows that the way to keep getting away with things is to be very deliberate about all aspects of their capers. Long drawn out planning sessions, coupled with a limited number of jobs has been the successful recipe that they have followed.
When a former member of the crew, Ghost (Tip “T.I” Harris) is released from prison; he tries to make contact with them to settle the score. Ghost went to prison as he got caught in one of the crew’s jobs from years back. Ghost’s money is secure, but he wants more than just his past earnings, he wants the crew to execute with an even bigger payday. Will the crew put aside all they know to take advantage of this job their friend has brought to the table? Or will they walk away from what looks to be a lot of money in favor of what they know?
Matt Dillon as Jack, is a cop that does things on the edge. His methods may be a bit ragtag, but his results are stellar. Now, he is on the trail of this group of criminals. His partner Eddie (Jay Hernandez) works with him and tries to keep him under control all while catching the bad guys.
Can Jack and Eddie catch this group of criminals before they strike again? Will they be able to find this elusive group of criminals and bring them to justice? Or will the Takers continue to take everything from their victims?
This is easily one of those films that should be able to be taken at face value. Simply check your mind at the door and enjoy things as they develop. I have enjoyed this type of film, but Takers tried to take too many liberties. Although the action sequences had me enthralled and enjoying things, the rest of the wrapping seemed more force fed and plastic. The story just falls apart on so many superficial levels that there is no reason to dig in to find any depth.
I like the talent working here, but the standout to me is Idris Elba as one of the co-leaders of the group of “takers”. Elba seems loaded with talent, but that is nothing new to many moviegoers. Such a nice cast of young talent deserved better here and I had hoped to see something a bit more in this film.
Unfortunately, Takers doesn’t give moviegoers a whole lot. Although we hope for a fun action ride; it just seems like an action ride minus the fun.
C+
Takers
Universal Pictures
Director: John Luessenhop
Cast: Matt Dillon, Paul Walker, Idris Elba, Jay Hernandez
Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, a sexual situation/partial nudity and some language.
Runtime: 107 minutes.
Robbers have always fascinated movie going audiences. From Bonnie And Clyde to Point Break and Robin Hood to Public Enemies, we have went to the theaters in droves to watch people “take” from others. Some of the criminals have been sympathetic figures that we find ourselves identifying with and yet others we can’t wait to see get their due.
In Takers, we meet a crew of high-class criminals that have patiently acquired great wealth. The crew knows that the way to keep getting away with things is to be very deliberate about all aspects of their capers. Long drawn out planning sessions, coupled with a limited number of jobs has been the successful recipe that they have followed.
When a former member of the crew, Ghost (Tip “T.I” Harris) is released from prison; he tries to make contact with them to settle the score. Ghost went to prison as he got caught in one of the crew’s jobs from years back. Ghost’s money is secure, but he wants more than just his past earnings, he wants the crew to execute with an even bigger payday. Will the crew put aside all they know to take advantage of this job their friend has brought to the table? Or will they walk away from what looks to be a lot of money in favor of what they know?
Matt Dillon as Jack, is a cop that does things on the edge. His methods may be a bit ragtag, but his results are stellar. Now, he is on the trail of this group of criminals. His partner Eddie (Jay Hernandez) works with him and tries to keep him under control all while catching the bad guys.
Can Jack and Eddie catch this group of criminals before they strike again? Will they be able to find this elusive group of criminals and bring them to justice? Or will the Takers continue to take everything from their victims?
This is easily one of those films that should be able to be taken at face value. Simply check your mind at the door and enjoy things as they develop. I have enjoyed this type of film, but Takers tried to take too many liberties. Although the action sequences had me enthralled and enjoying things, the rest of the wrapping seemed more force fed and plastic. The story just falls apart on so many superficial levels that there is no reason to dig in to find any depth.
I like the talent working here, but the standout to me is Idris Elba as one of the co-leaders of the group of “takers”. Elba seems loaded with talent, but that is nothing new to many moviegoers. Such a nice cast of young talent deserved better here and I had hoped to see something a bit more in this film.
Unfortunately, Takers doesn’t give moviegoers a whole lot. Although we hope for a fun action ride; it just seems like an action ride minus the fun.
C+
Takers
Universal Pictures
Director: John Luessenhop
Cast: Matt Dillon, Paul Walker, Idris Elba, Jay Hernandez
Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, a sexual situation/partial nudity and some language.
Runtime: 107 minutes.
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