The Movie: Takers (Review)

I have to say I found this film thoroughly entertaining and a complete visual delight. Seriously, what I would’ve given to be the casting assistant on that job *swoon*.

Idris Elba, Michael Ealy, Paul Walker, Hayden Christensen, Chris Brown and T.I. all star as the Takers, which apparently is some kind of euphemism for armed robbers but I don’t think we’re meant to pay attention to that.

Instead our morals are distracted (a little) by Idris’ compassion for his drug-addicted sister, Michael and Chris’ brotherly bond, Paul’s fast and furiousness, T.I.’s “swagger of a college kid” (I had to throw that in) and Hayden’s piano-playing charm…

The film also casts Zoë Saldana, Matt Dillon and a number of other familiar faces which made a nice treat.

So without further ado here’s my 5 on it.

1: I have to start with a disclaimer. I was not expecting this film to be that good. Rapper/musician castings in particular tend to make me a little skeptical.

With that in mind, as far as action goes I wasn’t quite expecting a Bourne experience but I was intrigued by the story and of course the cast.

2: As I mentioned on Twitter there is far too much finery in one film. That and all the action was quite overwhelming. I mean in many ways this is a less noble version of The Expendables but swapping that casts stellar action history for this films eye candy.

3: [SPOILER ALERT: Do not read this if you haven't seen the film] For the majority of the film the story went pretty well and was as believable as an action film could be but in a few places it got a bit weird.

For starters there was the sudden introduction of House of Flying Daggers style music whilst the Takers faced a shoot-out with the Russians. Then there was the decision by Michael and Chris to run out towards a full line of armed police and SWAT team, again backed by the House of Flying Daggers music. It all just seemed to come out of nowhere.

4: [SPOILER ALERT: Do not read this if you haven't seen the film] I actually have to take a moment on that last scene. I mean it wasn’t too long ago that Chris had a 20 minute section all to himself doing all kinds of action stuff  (which was impressive) whilst running from the police.

Following that,  I don’t think it’s unfair to assume that that he loved his life but all of a sudden he was willing to throw it all away? And, wouldn’t Michael in all his vexation try and get back at TI for what he did to Zoë?

It just didn’t make any sense to me… they didn’t even try the back door?

5: There was a bit of a showdown towards the end that made up a little for the above weirdness but the ending was still a bit so so. I guess they were trying to go for a no heroes no happy ending sort of thing but I was still left feeling a bit unsure, as if the wrong people got away or something.

Overall it was enjoyable and I wouldn’t even mind having it on DVD. Did I mention that the cast was cute???

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