I was really looking forward to this movie. Never before had a trailer promised this much swagger in one sitting. The last time I reviewed a movie I had to post a clarification. Although I had more fun renaming Seven Pounds than watching it (for that fiasco, click here), the e-mails I got afterward were…interesting. Anyhow, I’ll keep this one short and sweet. To sum it up, Takers has a respectable recipe: Take 2 parts The Italian Job, 1 part Set It Off and 5 parts menswear fashion and voila! I liked it. Will it be nominated for an Oscar? No. You’re going to get a big old bag of mixed reviews on this one and I’ll tell you why (I promise no spoilers).
It has enough handsome men (translated “fine”) to satisfy female audiences and boasts enough guns to appeal to action fans and adolescents. You just can’t help but be impressed with Chris Brown’s running ability. I mean he is like Letterman, able to leap a capital “T” in a single bound. I’m telling you, if you have never rooted for Chris Brown before, once you see this movie you will (Run, Chris! Run!) I know there was a stunt double and special effects, but really, he should try out for the Olympics. I enjoyed hearing Idris Elba’s British accent on screen for the first time. But I’m going to give it to you straight. So here’s what I would have done differently.
I think that Matt Dillon channeled a younger, Nick Nolte–ish, weathered cop a bit too much. I wish we could have explored his issues a bit more. In fact, there were some glaring issues with the characters that were mentioned, instead of being explored (a family history of crime, absentee mother, you drive the truck and we know nothing about you, the Russians, and why is he wearing Boy George’s hat?). Zoe Saldana should have had a meatier role. I was really expecting the end to go in a completely different direction and though it might have been cliche, it would have been nice with a twist. An actress of Saldana’s ability can do more than smile and kiss Michael Ealy. They could have allowed a newbie like me to play that role.
My major issue with Takers is that the beginning was grander than the end. If it’s a heist movie, each scene has to be a one-up. All in all, Takers delivered on fashion (minus the hat), fine-ness and suspense. I think the actors did an excellent job. It’s true that Brown and Harris “T.I.” are newer to the acting game, but we got it. While it’s way better than that other movie I reviewed before just know you are going to leave the theatre with a smile and a few questions. I’ve seen better and worse. Takers has it’s own appeal. Was my evening wasted? Not at all. I can’t wait to see what they do next!
