"TAKERS" (2010) Review

"TAKERS" (2010) Review

Over a year ago, a crime thriller about a group of bank robbers operating in Los Angeles was released to the theaters with little fanfare and a great deal of scorn. Although "TAKERS" earned over twice its budget, it barely made a dent with filmgoers. Out of curiosity, I decided to see what the lack of fuss was all about.

In a nutshell, "TAKERS" began with a successful bank robbery committed by a team of seasoned criminals - including Gordon Cozier, John Rahway, A.J., and brothers Jake and Jesse Attica. Following the success of their heist, the five lead a life of luxury while planning their next job. Unfortunately, a former member of their team named "Ghost" is released from prison. He convinces the group to strike an armored car carrying $20 million. While the bank robbers carefully plot their strategy, a pair of L.A.P.D. police detectives named Jack Welles and Eddie Hatcher investigate their last job. Welles and Hatcher, aware of Ghost's release, finally become aware of the five robbers, and set about apprehending them.

"TAKERS" is basically a run-of-the-mill crime drama filled with complex characters and fast-paced action sequences. The movie also unfolded a peak into the private lives of both the robbers and cops - culminating into a series of familial and romantic frustrations, betrayal, and loyalty. The screenplay written by Peter Allen, Gabriel Casseus, John Luessenhop and Avery Duff pretty much touched upon every topic one could find in a story about bank robbers - aside from the hostage situation featured in movies such as 1975's "DOG DAY AFTERNOON" and 2006's "INSIDE MAN". If I must be honest, the story structure and characterizations in "TAKERS" strongly reminded me of Michael Mann's 1995 opus, "HEAT", but with less complexity. To a certain degree.

In a way, I could see why most reviewers and moviegoers failed to warm up to "TAKERS" - aside from the controversial presence of Chris Brown in the cast. It is not exactly an crime epic in compare to some of the other movies I have mentioned. Although Michael Barrett's photography struck me as colorful and glossy, there was nothing unique about it. Some of the dialogue in the film seemed wooden and unmemorable. And I could tell that some of the inexperienced actors like Tip "T.I." Harris had a little trouble handling it. One of the action sequences featured a shoot-out between the five bank robbers and Russian mobsters at Hollywood's Roosevelt Hotel. Both Barrett and director John Luessenhop tried to be ambitious by shooting most of the sequence in slow motion, while maintaining the sound effects - dialogue included - at a regular pace. Paul Haslinger's mournful score somewhat helped the sequence, but the screenwriters' insipid dialogue nearly undermined it.

I realize that many might find this hard to believe, but "TAKERS" possessed virtues that managed to outweigh its flaws. One, it possessed a first-rate cast lead by the likes Idris Elba and Matt Dillon. Both actors were superb in their roles as British-born immigrant and current leader of the robbers Gordon Cozier and veteran L.A.P.D. detective Jack Welles. The movie also featured first-rate performances from Michael Ealy, Hayden Christensen, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Jay Hernandez, Zoë Saldaña and yes, even Chris Brown. Paul Walker, Glynn Turman and Tip Harris gave solid support as well. I realize that I had been a little critical of Harris' handling of some of the dialogue, but I must admit that his handling of the manipulative and vindictive "Ghost" character really impressed me.

Aside from the Roosevelt Hotel shoot-out, "TAKERS" was filled with some outstanding action sequences, thanks to Luessenhop's direction, Barrett's photography and the editing of both Armen Minasian and Colby Parker, Jr. Some of the best sequences featured Hayden Christensen's (A.J.) encounter with a double-crossing explosive dealer and his crew; the entire heist of an armored truck in downtown Los Angeles; and a chase sequence that featured Chris Brown, Jay Hernandez and Matt Dillon.

However, the one virtue that really made "TAKERS" work for me was the screenplay written by Luessenhop and three other writers. I realize that I might attract a good deal of flap of pointing this out, but the screenplay for "TAKERS" possessed one virtue that the highly regarded "HEAT" lacked - the minor plot lines featuring the some of the characters' personal lives had strong connections to the movie's main narrative. This prevented the movie's pacing from dragging at an unnecessarily long pace.

Although "TAKERS" actually made a profit at the box, it was only able to do so, due to the movie's low budget. Because otherwise, one might as well call it failure. Well, failure or not, I ended up enjoying "TAKERS" . . . much to my great surprise. It may not be one of the best crime dramas ever made, but I cannot deny that I found it entertaining, suspenseful and exciting.